A recent letter to the editor has cast a spotlight on an unusual hillwalking dilemma in Crowborough, East Sussex, where the summit of a Marilyn—a hill with a 150-metre drop—is located in someone's front garden. This revelation comes amid ongoing local controversies, including protests over asylum plans at a former military camp, but for enthusiasts of hill bagging, it raises distinct ethical questions.
The Guilty Pleasure of Accessible Peaks
In the world of Marilyn bagging, where climbers seek to conquer hills across Britain, Crowborough's summit presents a rare and accessible challenge. Unlike the famed Inaccessible Pinnacle on the Isle of Skye, which requires technical climbing skills, this peak's slopes are barely perceptible and horticultural in nature. The letter writer, Margaret Squires from St Andrews, Fife, confesses to tiptoeing up these gentle inclines, driven by the lure of completing her list, yet she admits to lingering feelings of guilt over the intrusion.
Ethical Considerations for Hillwalkers
This situation highlights broader issues in the walking community regarding access and respect for private property. While many Marilyns are located in remote, public areas, Crowborough's case blurs the lines between recreational pursuit and personal space. It serves as a reminder for walkers to consider local sensitivities and permissions, especially in residential settings where summits might be unexpectedly close to home.
The controversy in Crowborough, though currently overshadowed by political debates, underscores how everyday landscapes can become points of contention. For those passionate about outdoor activities, it's a call to balance enthusiasm with ethical responsibility, ensuring that the joy of bagging peaks doesn't come at the expense of community harmony.
