took my dog on our usual walk, the same route we have walked for the last two years crossing a field near Wold Farm, Stiffords Bridge.

Someone was holding a clay pigeon shoot in a field with a network of footpaths and four stiles connecting them.

On my way out there was no shooting going on and just the traps in the field.

On my return the shooting had started up again with guns shooting directly over the footpath. As I started to cross the field, I was approached by someone telling me to walk around the field on a different route.

It’s about time people accepted that walkers have a right to use footpaths.

Twice a year I have to walk with shears to clear stiles landowners are dutybound to maintain.

It should be pointed out to them that they have no right to force people to walk dogs on a lead, particularly when there isn’t any livestock around.

As long as the dog is under control they have no right to complain.

Sheep are nervous animals and run away from most walkers, this is not worrying sheep!

If an event such as a shoot is being held on fields with public rights of way the standard practice is to have marshals on all entrances to the field armed with a horn or a whistle.

Shooting should stop until members of the public have crossed safely.

Landowners have no right to block or alter the course of a public right of way.

They should also make more of an effort to ensure the correct routes are clearly marked if they are going to react badly to walkers who stray from the path.

ADRIAN BEE

Cradle