Campaign groups in Cumbria are scrambling for support after it emerged that authorities are this week meeting to approve plans to build toilets on Scafell Pike.
The proposal, developed by Manchester-based firm Morning Ablutions Ltd, has been backed by a petition that hit 100,000 signatures over the weekend, meaning it is now being scheduled to be discussed in Parliament.
Development plans, seen by a member of the LFTO team, suggest not one but two toilet blocks are being planned. One is set to be built at Hollow Stones and the other at Esk Hause.
On the petition page John Privy, CEO of Morning Ablutions Ltd (and the man who set up the petition), said: “Everyone at Morning Ablutions Ltd loves hiking around these mountains, but we’ve been caught short so many times.
“Plus, with thousands of people climbing the mountain during the Three Peaks Challenge, the issue only gets worse, so rather than spout verbal diarrhoea about it, we decided to make a difference.”
What’s the proposal?
As mentioned, the intention is to build one set of toilets at Hollow Stones and the other at Esk Hause, covering off some of the busiest routes to the summit.
Most Three Peak-ers set off from Wasdale, making their way up Brown Tongue, past Hollow Stones and onto the summit.
The Esk Hause site would then pick up a lot of people coming from the east, such as those departing from Stool End in Langdale.
Each block would consist of three composting toilets, with materials airlifted in to avoid leaving too many skid marks on the ground.
Using helicopters would also help avoid any vehicles getting caught in a bog.
If everything is approved, as it’s expected to be, it’s suggested that the toilets will open in time for summer, with Spanish-Cumbrian socialite Dame Latrina Bídet earmarked to cut the ribbon and christen the throne room.
“It’s a stain on our countryside”
As you might expect, this has all caused quite the stir, with locals, regular hillwalkers and casual holidaymakers going head to head in a war of words.
Many believe this idea is just papering over the cracks and some feel inclined to roll with it, while others are flush with excitement or just don’t give a crap.
Local Ambleside resident and regular walker Harry Harryman thought the idea was terrible: “Hasn’t anyone heard of ‘leave no trace’? Everything you take with you onto the mountain, you take off with you. And that includes your own s***.
“A block of toilets is not the answer. If anything, it’s an even greater stain on our countryside, which is already under strain thanks to overcrowding causing blockages on the paths.”
Upon learning that it was in fact two blocks of toilets, rather than just one, Harryman was verging on apooplectic. “Alfred Wainwright wouldn’t have accepted this, and neither will we. I hope they’re ready for a fight.”
Birmingham-based Ron Waffle, who regular travels to the Lakes for walks, sat on the other side of the fence. “I think it’s a great idea. Everyone moans about people doing 1s and 2s all over the mountain, so at least this way it’s all contained.”
Local campaign groups are also getting organised, with protests planned for the weekend on all main approaches to Scafell Pike.
Want to have your say on the matter? Head over to the Trail Facebook page to get involved in the conversation.