I am sure that most serious Marilynists take the general stance that one should not, or should not have to, ask permission, but this is not a universal view. If there is a reasonable attitude on both sides then I prefer to go with permission. This has worked very well on a number of low Marilyns and Subs, e.g. Myarth, Alderton Hill, Ffridd Cocyn, and rather formally on Mickle Fell, but conspicuously not on Seager Hill. If there is an obvious farm on whose land the summit is, e.g. Hope Mountain or Crugiau Merched, then it is courteous to ask. But I have little sympathy for those who expect you to seek permission but make it almost impossible actually to find out whom to ask.
Some problems with the 'never ask permission' philosophy are (a) that on a few lower hills it is well-nigh impossible to pretend that you did not know there was no right of way etc, and (b) from time to time you meet a landowner or factor on the hill. What else can you do but ask 'is it all right if I walk up?'. Usually, though not invariably, you get a positive answer (if you are clearly alone and do not have a dog). My most memorable such experience was on Lamington Hill (28B). Having already climbed a padlocked gate I was rather pessimistic, but was told 'yes, that is fine... as long as you are not RSPB'.
West from Sgurr na Dubh-chreige (10D) (photo: Richard Webb)
