Broadening the appeal of the Lake District

2 points about the Lake District.
First it is not a natural landscape it is "manscaped". By the sheep farmers over a long period of time but still not as it was.

Secondly.......I would like more access to nature for wheelchair users.

I have been told when I lived in the Peak District that black people are afraid to go out to the countryside as they perceive it as a white place. Is this still true?
If it is then what is wrong with some encouragement to be more open and diverse?

ladymuck, I must have missed that bit of Cumbrian history? Can you say more please?

What an interesting idea.

We go to Northumberland regularly GGMk3 - it's probably our favourite place in the UK to unwind. Lots of very happy memories already and hopefully lots more to come

The issue of opening up walking trails is really interesting - lots of good things being done already across the UK but obviously lots more to be done. That's exactly the kind of thing Mr Leafe and others have in mind - and rightly so.

Yeah that'll be it! Poor, disabled and non white people all hate nature and scenery....

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I just cannot see this discussion as having any purpose other than to stir up trouble.

Why would an attempt to widen the market for those using a NATIONAL Park stir up trouble GrannyGravy?

I agree about the Peak District Fennel but must admit I am becoming aware that "walking" may not always be a possible mode of transport for me. I would be so sad if I couldn't join in.

Meanwhile, I have to give a shout out for Northumberland where I went for the first time in July. Not so far away but I hadn't been until my family organised a stay and various visits for a big birthday this year. It's beautiful.

Yes, a balance has to be struck between encouraging increasing visitor numbers and preserving the beauty of these National Parks for future generations.

They are not theme parks.

Absolutely nothing else that the Lakes could do from that report I posted Callistemon? What bits in particular do you not think would transfer to the Lakes and why?

I agree Fennel - it's a different terrain in many parts obviously, but good they are addressing the issue and attempting to widen the appeal and access.

All I can say is that we don't all like the same things, whatever that is!
He may well find that he will end up throwing loads of money at advertising and so on, to try and encourage more people to visit and get nowhere!
Wasn't that long ago that someone was complaining about the fact that because visitor numbers had gone up, that damage was being caused !

SirChenjin - I've just skimmed through your link on the previous page, Very detailed, but good that all this work is going on.
I noticed the section on approved paths - those are certainly needed for safety because the Cairngorms, and other parts of the Highlands can be very dangerous places. The weather is so unpredictable, heights and distances more extreme than in the Lakes. We've had some scarey experiences there, though haven't been since 2001.
The Peak District is also a lovely area for walking.

No. Other National Parks are probably just catching up to attract more visitors as their footfall lags behind.

See post of 29 Dec 19 23:04:07
There are more centres.

This is pointless

Is there anything that you feel the Cairngorms and other national parks are doing to improve inclusivity that the Lakes could learn from?

I wouldn't say that under 2 million visitors a year is exactly rammed when compared to 16.4 million visitors pa.

I'm sure you'll be just fine.

Did you read my earlier link yet? Is there anything in there that you think could be applied to the Lakes to make them more inclusive?

opening the Lakes up

By golly, we won't be able to move around there before long!

Anyone for the Cairngorms?

So much upset about opening the Lakes up - as I said, it shows that there's a lot to be done to challenge these views.

Yes Callistemon I live in Edinburgh. Did you see my earlier link about the work of the Cairngorm Park?

Check it out SirChenjin, posters, including me, have pointed out all the centres and activities that the Lake District National Park has to offer to those who are less advantaged.

Don't you live in Scotland SirChenjin?

How come the Cairngorms National Park is not popular? Less than 2 million visitors per year in comparison, half of them from Scotland.
Perhaps more should be done to make that Park more accessible to all.

SirChenjin The Lake District is an area of outstanding natural beauty, it is home to many, it is a place of work for many and is also a holiday destination for those who choose it.

I just cannot see this discussion as having any purpose other than to stir up trouble.

I would add that the Lake District is the most visited out of all the 13 National Parks with about 16 and a half million visitors a year.

One reason to keep away imo.

I know you can't.

I can't see any entrenched views on here.

Trevor Phillips speaks sense.

Some of the comments on here demonstrate perfectly why a lot of work needs to be done to challenge and alter the more entrenched views of some regarding the Lake District and who it's for.

I think Cherrytree has the right idea.

Flatten it out a bit, sort out the rain etc

I would add to that

Move the whole Lake District to somewhere more accessible to all, not just accessible to able-bodied old white people who can presumably get on their bikes.

Perhaps move it to the centre of a city? London, Birmingham, Manchester?
No, not Manchester, that's very wet too.

Davidhs exactly