NEW POLL: Would you pay to use the hills?

I think donations are different to charges. I'd probably donate a pound or two but I suspect the charges would soon be more. I think I'd probably just go a different way or choose a different walk. Its a good way to see new paths cut into the countryside!

If there was a donation box towards path repairs then i would definately put a pound or two in.

Put it this way... It would take more than a pound to keep me away!

yak79 said:

I don't see why not, a system similar to how the National Trust opperate a carparking fee that is pretty much voluntary would suffice.  If nominal sums are paid then busier routes such as Ben Nevis would subsidise some of the more remote areas.  Why shouldn't we pay for something where your actions add to the overall errosion of the paths?

But do they? Has this ever really been proven?

These hills and fields and rivers that we all enjoy were here long before we ever were. Yes they may have altered over the years but is that in a negative way really? I do the same walks in summer and winter and in between to see the changes the seasons bring.

I detest paying for parking when they accept no responsabilty for my car, will paying to walk the hills that nobody actually owns give me a meal voucher for the local pub?

The powers that be talk about erosion, but have you seen some of the monstrosities these same people put up and call them toilet blocks, car parks, cafes, view points etc etc

Bring on natural change I say

I don't see why not, a system similar to how the National Trust opperate a carparking fee that is pretty much voluntary would suffice.  If nominal sums are paid then busier routes such as Ben Nevis would subsidise some of the more remote areas.  Why shouldn't we pay for something where your actions add to the overall errosion of the paths?