The North Pennines - Hiking and Access Rights

[@martinc3918]

I'd incorrectly assumed that access information would be displayed on fence posts on approaches to said areas. As the saying goes, every day is a school day. Many thanks for another informative and well crafted video.

[@DuncanBaxter]

It is displayed where possible (I saw 4 copies of it on the Pennine Way alone), however when hiking across the moors using Open Access wandering from one area to another, it becomes difficult to cover every possible route, especially across fell tops etc.

[@colinwatkins2950]

well i must admit duncan my brother and i are guilty of illegal access a few years ago Nr mickel fell so i could get a photo of a curlews nest with 3 eggs in it,but we came strait back off and no harm was done to the birds,another great video and grand views.we've done that walk many times and thanks for the memories.my brother and i are geared up for a trip to slaley forrest this fall for penny bun mushrooms a choice mushroom too very tasty,looking forward to your next video mate.

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks glad you enjoyed it, I think we have all unintentionally strayed somewhere we shouldn't have at one time or another, it's just such a big place it is difficult to keep up with restrictions sometimes. Glad to hear you are planning hikes out with your brother, the mountains need to hear your boots again 😊

[@jimmy.mccutcheon.1961]

Nice one Duncan 👍

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks 😊

[@NorthernWayfarer-Alice]

Mickle Fell is a fantastic hill... such a shame that it is not fully open... but I supposed if it was then there would likely be a hundred wild campers on the top every weekend because I doubt there is a flatter hill with grass in the country with those views.

[@DuncanBaxter]

It is a shame Mickle Fell is not open more or as difficult to gain access to hike, as you said in your video the views are breathtaking, in the future who knows what access will be like but for now the restrictions remain (it is on my to do list next year though...)

[@danexitsstreetview3273]

A great video as always Duncan and very informative. Learned a thing or two there that's for sure. I'll save my future visits to the area until late summer then I think.

[@DuncanBaxter]

Hi, it is still a stunning place but at certain times of the year planning a hike involves a little bit more research unfortunately. On the positive side there are still vast areas and public rights of way that are still open and do not have any restrictions so hiking is still possible 😊

[@curlewpiper315]

I did wander onto the MOD danger area before when I was young and was many crators on the land , it wasn't until afterwards I worked out where I had been

[@DuncanBaxter]

They are generally quite careful during live firing etc however I suspect that is why there are only two routes available to the summit of Mickle Fell due to craters and unspent ammunition lying around.

[@darrenrobson5977]

Nice one Duncan

[@DuncanBaxter]

Cheers 😊

[@garyowen2]

Regards the name black band, I believe it’s an old corpse road to get the deceased from Garrigill over to the Eden valley.

[@DuncanBaxter]

Hi, thanks for your comment, I have mentioned in other videos about it being an old corpse road to Kirkland, it just seems strange to me it only having a shorter newer section bearing that name, it is worth bearing in mind though, thanks! 😊

[@Sonmohikamp]

Nice🌲

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@davidwilkinson248]

Hi Duncan, Is land access impacted by grouse shooting in August?

[@DuncanBaxter]

Hi, although I have no background in law I do know the landowner is responsible for what happens on their land during shoots so if a shoot is happening they have people looking out in the drive direction for hikers etc. They will either hold their drive till you have passed or ask you to wait if they are mid drive (drives don't last very long),, me personally I would either wait or detour round.