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Pilgrims Way and North Downs Way

Rob and I starting off on the Pilgrims Way.

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/9370/p6260268.jpg

View over the North Downs.

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/2951/p6260263.jpg

Our bacon sandwich decides to make a run for it.

http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/4131/p6260266.jpg

Rob tackles some of the deeper rutted sections.

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/777/p6260267k.jpg

Stupidly I had the combination for the padlock, but was too lazy to use it, then got stuck on the gate!

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/1070/p6260269.jpg

Chalk cross on the hillside. This is a "restricted" section of the North Downs Way (I have a permit) and a lot of effort has been made to grade the track - sort of spoils it for off-roaders!

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/7879/p6260270.jpg

Continuing on the North Downs Way.

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/7647/p6260271.jpg

Found this lane on my way home, great views over Kent, but it did get a bit narrow at the end!

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/7412/p6260273.jpg

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/7785/p6260274.jpg

http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/1328/p6260275.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithblade (Post 158051)

Was the pig lost or an escapee from a local farm?

An escapee. And Rob and I did our good deed, rounded him up and took him back to the farm.

Hi Nick,

I live on the Downs and often ride some of the tarmac stretches of the Pilgrims Way. I see on the map that some stretches are byways. I'd love to ride those stretches on your photo's.
If it's not giving too much away any chance of sharing the route? Also 'permit'? is that from the NT?

Thanks

Steve

Details of the section where you need a permit are here ...

http://democracy.kent.gov.uk/mgIssue...aspx?IId=15321

... and this is the application form for the permit (took only a few days to come through).

https://shareweb.kent.gov.uk/Documen...pplication.pdf

The image shows our route, we did lots of shorter lanes as well, but this is the main section. The "closed" section is marked by the red flags.

Thanks for sharing that nick,
Most appreciated

Looks a nice route Nick. I think the excuse for making it permit only a bit lame though, the same excuse could be used by people living next to the M2, M20 and the M25.

Cracker photos and looks like some nice off roading area. Shame about the pig getting away would have been a nice lunch find/lunch!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithblade (Post 158061)

I think a permit is a great idea:

It keeps them open rather than a blanket closure.
It allows the authorities to police who is using them.
Deters irresponsible idiots from using the trails.

I wish they would adopt this policy in Yorkshire because I for one wouldn't mind the slight inconvenience of an application rather than full closure.

Agreed but they are public right of ways and have been for thousands of years. They should be open to everyone not just permit holders. If the locals are being disturbed by unruly elements then that's a case of lack of enforcement, not a valid reason for excluding law abbiding travellers without the relevant chit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolgeoff (Post 158078)

I can't really comment on this lane, but on others the reasons for this method have come down to controlling the use to be able to retain it. Over use on these lanes could easily lead to closure on safety grounds (if they council is that way inclined)

In an ideal world, rights of way are rights of way, unfortunatly we not longer live in that world.

Cumbria use the HOTR method, by giving lanes a Red Amber and Green status based on the use (red being the most used), but in the LDNP (Lake District national Park), permits have been in use for some time on some routes.

It's not ideal, but it is better than a TRO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by uk_nick (Post 158049)

hi nick
im new to trails had a bit of a mid lifer bought myself a 660z i live in essex near kent border
and would love to try the downs trail you were on.
can you send me details of where it is please or advise me how i go about getting a permit
if needed thanks.
bob