In reply to Trangia:
> Quite apart from increased erosion, some of the honey pots like the Brecons are busy enough as they are. One of the reasons for going into the wilds was for the peace and solitude, this is becoming less and less the case.
> 50 years I could walk the Brecons, even at a weekend and count the number of other people I met on the fingers of one hand. Sadly this is no longer the case.
1 - The massive scars on British mountains were not made by mountain bikers but by thousands of Vibram-shod walkers.
2 - National parks have a policy of encouraging visitors to concentrate in small areas, whether they come to visit the towns or to walk in the hills. This means those who are prepared to make an effort can still find empty, tranquil areas elsewhere. Look at the peace of Kentmere compared with the madness of Ambleside and Windermere just a few miles further on.