I'd be interested to read what you think about the latest proposals from Honister Slate Mine regarding the zip-wire and the earlier via ferrata.

How do you all think this sort of thing fits into our wilder countryside ?

Should our National Parks really be used as 'parks', as playgrounds ? Or is there something deeper to be had from them ?

Personally when I drive through Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire I cringe at the jungle gym - picnic park nature of the place - but then at least that's in an un-natural environment - a conifer plantation crop - but playgrounds in the mountains ?

Don't really mind about the via ferrata - though I haven't seen it, but I do cringe at a zip wire that would destroy one of Lakelands finest views and turn the top of Fleetwith Pike into a playground. I would also assume the road up Honister pass from Keswick would have to be upgraded to cope with the hoards.

As I understand it, all businesses operating in national parks are obliged to put national park values first.

The Lake District Authority needs to stamp down hard on businesses that fail to do that.

John B.

I'd agree John - I think all National Park Authorites need some more teeth or at least more balls. It is their definition of National Park Values, and indeed the general public's definition that comes under the spotlight in matters like this or the speed limit on Windermere (an example I think of where the value of a 'special' place has been upheld against those who simply see National Parks as playgrounds.

I have a reaction to via ferrata similar to that when I saw various wooden 'steps' nailed to a favourite tree when I was a kid, to allow many other kids to climb the tree, rather than using what nature provided. As a kid that turned an adventure with nature (and a lovely tree) into a playground toy. However I haven't seen this or other via ferrata nor used them and so my view of them is somewhat superficial I have to say.

I think perhaps our approach to the natural (or at least wilder) landscape needs some adjustment (as a population). Perhaps we need to instill some sense of respect for our landscape and its life, both wild and farmed.