1.2km zip wire fleetwith pike

[smoggy]

All I can say is that Fleetwith Pike is one of my favourite viewpoints, a truely lovely spot. The Lake District as we know is a bit of a playground, look at what's been done to Grizedale and Whinlatter for evidence. However, once you start getting up onto the high fells for mass organised activities I think a dangerous prescendent (sic?) is being established. I truely believe that the rough ground of the fell summits should remain the preserve of those prepared to make the effort on foot and not via a paid bus service from Honister Slate mine. The bloke down at Honister will always make the excuse that these fells have always suffered from human activity, however, never on the scale that is likely if he gets his wish over Fleetwith.

[julianbarker]

I truely believe that the rough ground of the fell summits should remain the preserve of those prepared to make the effort on foot and not via a paid bus service from Honister Slate mine. .

I've been thinking about this alot recently. I have a muscle disease which is slowly wekening my muscles to the point that in a few years I won't be able to walk very far at all, let alone up a fell. I like the idea of still being able to get to at least one top and zip down.

[smoggy]

Very sorry to hear that Julian. Given your circumstances my viewpoint sounds a little selfish. Apologies. I guess the issue I'm raising is an objection to large numbers of people being deposited on the fell top at regular intervals throughout the day. The argument is a familiar one, look no further than the railway up to Snowdon. I fully accept that in both instances it allows people access to the mountains who may otherwise find it difficult. If it is to go ahead, it needs doing sensitively and I'm not convinced it will be.

[Flopsy]

It's one of those 'not in my backyard' things isn't it. Bit like windfarms. We see a need but don't want them near us.

In an ideal world I'd like to see less people flocking into the outdoor spaces generally as it spoils them. The more access is made easier by roads, proper paths, railways etc them more the nice places become crowded and less nice places to be.

However, that is a very selfish attitude that I have and I know it. I also appreciate that the reality is that places like the Lake District need tourism to survive.

It's a no win situation really.

This country is way to crowded though, even in the countryside.

[julianbarker]

Very sorry to hear that Julian. Given your circumstances my viewpoint sounds a little selfish. Apologies.

No need for apologies - it is a balancing act.

[IanDarkpeak]

They are trying to put another planning application in and they want to call it.... Wait for it... The Zip Weir! in rememberance of the man himself. even in death he torments the beauty of the lakes.

http://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/201...zip-wire-plans

[Rob Furness]

....even in death he torments the beauty of the lakes.

I appreciate the issue behind the post but that comment is in poor taste Ian, the man only died a few weeks ago.

[Corniceman]

They are trying to put another planning application in and they want to call it.... Wait for it... The Zip Weir! in rememberance of the man himself. even in death he torments the beauty of the lakes.

http://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/201...zip-wire-plans

IDP I can understand some thinking you are not being sensative when making this comment but lets face it from those people who love the lakes the out pouring of grief to the unfortunate accident suffered by Mr Wier on this forum was limited and with reason. My immediate thought was 'I hope this means an end to the ridiculous over commercialisation and gimmickery of the Honister area and Fleetwith. Alas this seems not to be the case. Unless we are able to express ourselves as we think here before we know it this and other similar projects will be popping up all over the place

[mudclawed]

to be honest the sheer chutzpah and grim reaper opportunism of re-applying dressed up as a tribute is in itself a worthy memorial to the man himself.

who is in bad taste here, the family for reapplying (not 4 weeks later!!) and calling it the Zip Wier or IDP for questioning the wisdom? I know what I think..

[Rob Furness]

who is in bad taste here, the family for reapplying (not 4 weeks later!!) and calling it the Zip Wier or IDP for questioning the wisdom? I know what I think..

I don't disagree with Ian's point, just the comment "even in death he torments the beauty of the lakes" which I thought was in poor taste. The original post would've been perfectly fine without that last addition. Doesn't really matter about the guy's politics, it's still a little disrespectful.

I suspect they've re-applied as something to try and make one of his dreams/aims come true and thus use it as a memorial. When you lose someone close many people scout around for things to occupy themselves to make it seem like they're doing something proactive. They probably don't see it as a bad thing like many of us on here do.