Foot and Mouth - Crags

I have been away for a while. When I returned, I was astounded to find Hardcastle Crags still closed and everyone still doffing their cap and staying away. Four months ago, I wrote - and got some stick - that there had been an over-reaction to Foot and Mouth. The disease is proving to be almost impossible to wipe out by holocaustic methods. It's not a terribly serious disease for most animals, and could be prevented by vaccination. The farmers and landlords seem quite happy for us to be kept away. Perhaps its time soon to show them we are serious about wanting access to our countryside.