Roaming the net

The government bill is at the heart of this matter. To get it right from the horse’s mouth, visit the parliamentary site to see it word for word at: http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm199899/cmbills/016/1999016.htm . For a roll out of maps as it happens, visit www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk. The other government sites to visit are www.countryside.gov.uk and www.defra.gov.uk . With so much misinformation floating around, you may not want to carry the lot in your bum bag, but having read it will be a bonus.

Both sides of roaming debate

To see both sides of the story, visit the ramblers at www.ramblers.org.uk and the countryside protectors at www.cpre.org.uk . With limited green space, and unlimited environmental issues, both sides need to work out the best solutions, and users need to be wise and environmentally aware to preserve our spaces and ensure enjoyable access.

Paths for bikes

Mountain bikers can get a look at the established right to ride routes at www.nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk. It comes as no surprise that www.ordancesurvey.co.uk is a key link on their site. A little planning before you ride can go a long way to ensuring a positive experience – for you and the countryside.

For a helpful, colourful site, visit www.lakedistrictoutdoors.co.uk/biking.htm, which has links to information on Hadrian’s Wall, Sea to Sea (C2C) and Pennine Way (North) routes. They also provide information on local rides in Coniston, Keswick, Ullswater, Kendal and Sedbergh areas.

Mapping out a good route will be easy – the hard part will be choosing which one. They also link to www.sustrans.org.uk - the sustainable transport charity, which provides excellent information for cyclists.

‘Good afternoon. Not out biking?’ That is how you are greeted at http://www.mountain-bike-cumbria.co.uk/ . Fantastic. Created for mountain bikers who want to ‘Know more! See more! Do more!’, this says it all. They have a link to the Off Road Code, Lake District web cams and a great photography section, if you need to get psyched up.

You might also want to visit www.mtbbritain.co.uk. They are very visual and route plans are written up in a very entertaining manner. It’s a site for bikers by bikers.

A mint mountain biking site

Lake District riders Paul, Barney and PK have set up Mintcake Mountain Bikers at http://www.mintcakemtb.co.uk/. They outline Trailquest events in the region, and funds from events are designated to a charity. They have already donated to the Great North Air Ambulance Service and Kendal’s Sandgate Hydrotherapy Pool. Their winter schedule, December ‘04 – April ‘05, is already posted, so you can plan to participate. They also run Lanesquest events in the summer. It’s a valuable site, and a good example of a sport-specific group using the Internet to promote, inform and advise.

They provide a link to www.trailquest.co.uk, where you can get more information and even join an online discussion about important mountain biking issues.

Walking Week…

It was Walking Week September 18–26 and, although almost all the sites identified above referred to it, I couldn’t find one site dedicated to it. However, www.britainonthemove.com - ITV’s campaign to get people walking, had great information, and not just for this event. To see what one individual, Mike, has to say about all manner of walking topics, visit Mike’s Walks. At http://www.mikes-walks.co.uk/Right_To_Roam/right_to_roam.html , you can find a handy point form version of the rules of roaming. Mike also offers downloadable pdf versions of walks, a newsletter by subscription, and other information.

It’s never too late

It is never too late to get in shape, never too late to get out and enjoy the countryside and never difficult to find helpful web sites. See you out there. If you have a favourite walking or biking web site, web cam or web blog – let Web Watch know by emailing kate.whiteside@kendal.newsquest.co.uk.