THE KESWICK FOOTPATHS CONTROVERSY. [To TIM EDITOR or TEE "SraerATmL"]
Sut,—It is doubtless a kind and chivalrous feeling that has in- duced Mr. Thomas Hodgkin to follow the example of Mrs. Lynn Linton in taking up the defence of the obstructors of public rights of way at Keswick. These obstructors have no defenders in their own neighbourhood ; the evidence of every One among the old inhabitants who have known the disputed paths from childhood is against them ; and the asserters of the anMent rights are strongly supported by the local Press and the unani- mous yoke of the locality. Mr. Hodgkin's feelings have, how- ever, led him entirely wrong in concluding that "the tyranny and the high-handed action are all on the side of the Keswick Footpaths Association."
That the Fawke Park Road is a public one, all inquiry that I have been able to make on the spot and elsewhere goes to prove. It is referred to in old guide-books as a public road, and it leads in one direction to one of the chief landing-places on the shore of the lake. Mrs. Spencer Bell's estates are part of a large property on the western shore of Derwentwater which formerly belonged to Lord Gordon, through which the western pack-horse road from Keswick to Borrowdale passed from end to end. This road was swampy in parts, and Lord William Gordon made a new road at a high elevation on the fell. This proved to be too high, and a third road was constructed between the two. Thus, at the beginning of the century there were three parallel roads on the western shore of Derwentwater. After the third mad was made, a portion of the old pack-horse road was discontinued for carts, but was still used as a footpath, and has continued to be so used till the present day. A portion of it near the most northern approach to the lake has remained open for wheeled traffic until recently closed by Mrs. Spencer Bell. It is this latter which is in dispute. These facts are obviously inconsistent with any claim to private ownership of the road.
The question of preserving public footpaths and access to mountains in the Lake District is becoming of great importance, and will have to be taken up as a serious national question. In the meantime, the Keswick Footpaths Association is doing excellent work, and ought to be well supported by all who are interested in the Lake Country.—I am, Sir, dzo., The Knoll, Ambletide, November 29th. W. H. Huns.
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