Countrystride #68: RICHARD LEAFE - The National Park at 70

...in which we celebrate the 70th birthday of the Lake District National Park by climbing Orrest Head with Park Authority chief executive Richard Leafe. Exploring a new, accessible route to the summit – a re-discovered track used by Victorian charabancs – we consider the challenge of finding a policy sweet-spot that takes into account conservation, farming, community and business; we discover what drives Richard after 14 years in the job; we talk about ski-ing the front face of Helvellyn; and we pose a series of questions from listeners, including 'Should we charge cars to enter the Park?', 'Have we reached peak tourism?', 'Should 4x4s be on green lanes?' and 'Would the Park have granted planning permission for house boats on Grasmere?'

The view from Orrest Head.

Our guest for the podcast, Richard Leafe, CEO of the Lake District National Park Authority.

Dave at the dedication plaques on the final pull up to the viewpoint.

Fabulous late afternoon lighting.

Dave and Richard on the summit.

Richard, Mark and Dave are joined by Michael Harrison - a first-time Orrest Head sumitter. Thanks Michael for the picture.

Mark's annotated view.

Our route for the day.