S M Donaldson & Son

Arguably the most unfriendly farmer in North Yorkshire. I have cycled on the farm track for many years. Today the land owner stopped me (they were in their tractor) and pointed out that cycling and horse riding is no longer allowed on their farm track and that a sign had been put up to advise that. I had indeed overlooked the sign - never occured to me that would change. Evidently, the farmer is legally right to forbid cycling and riding on their land, however IMHO this is nothing but self-importance and showing off owner's rights. Of course I apologised and turned around - I wouldn't want to get arrested for trespassing. What I would really like to know is why the ban of cyclists and horse riders (walkers are allowed), as they: * do not make noise to scare livestock * do not damage the track (o at least not worse than tractors) * do not leave rubbish any more than walkers would Luckily, this is just one isolated example of a land owner's poor attitude towards nature and country side lovers - as opposed to the vast majority of farmers in our beautiful region, who welcome all outdoor loving people to pass on their property as long as they behave (goes without saying).
Jan 18th, 2022

Jul 13th, 2021