Mass Walk to Mark Blencathra Bid

© wee jamie

Tomorrow, 2 July, the group behind the campaign to buy Blencathra for the public will stage a 'Mass Walk' from Keswick to Threlkeld at the foot of the fell, to celebrate making their bid.

Blencathra  © Jamie Hageman
Blencathra
© Jamie Hageman, Oct 2010

Wednesday is the deadline for the submission of sealed bids for the mountain property, which is being sold by current owner Lord Lonsdale to cover a hefty tax bill. Though it's of limited economic value, Blencathra is expected to fetch upwards of £2Million.

The group, Friends of Blencathra, have led a high profile fundraising campaign and received pledges of financial support from thousands of individuals - enough to make the cash-strapped aristo an offer.

Wednesday's walk will be 'a bit like the famous 1932 Mass Trespass of Kinder Scout' say the Friends, 'however we are not trespassing, and not climbing a mountain!' 

'Walkers, climbers, fell runners, mountain bikers, farmers, education and outdoor centre users, paragliders - any user or admirer of the mountain is encouraged to take part.'

'The walk is timed to coincide with the bid deadline, and it will be a joyful confirmation of the immense amount of public support and goodwill for the campaign to bring Blencathra into public ownership' they say.

The group recently received charitable status. They have asked Eden District Council to register Blencathra as a community asset, a move which would prevent its sale. However in a blow to their hopes the council then deferred making a decision on this application until after the 2 July sale deadline.

Organisers of Wednesday's walk hope that it will be a show of force, demonstrating the level of public enthusiasm for the buyout.

Participants will assemble at Keswick's Moot Hall info centre at 11am tomorrow, and start walking for 11:15am. The walk will follow the line of the disused railway for 4.5 miles to Threlkeld, where there will be a big group photo at the cricket ground at 1pm before everyone heads to the Horse and Farrier pub. 

 


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