Should Hikers Pay?

I guess it comes down to how much upkeep they really require. Most countryside paths by me are just maintained by people walking on them

No, I don’t believe they should pay. Getting out and about is good for your health and mental well being. If they start charging so people can not afford it or just don’t want to pay so will stop.

No. Volunteers are usually involved with maintaining trails. Plus, visiting hikers bring additional revenue for local businesses.

The hikers might be paying for parking that goes into the council coffers, so they are paying indirectly.

We pay for everything in order to exist these days. Nothing is free except the right to walk amongst nature as long as we are not trespassing. There would be no point in living if we were charged for enjoying the great outdoors.

I also think these ideas are dangerous as some Jobsworth sitting in an office in a strapped for cash council could jump on the idea to bring in new revenue.

It's a tricky one. Hikers use the path. On one hand why should they. On the other they should. But as others have said hikers bring in revenue by staying jn places as hikers tend to go on walking holidays. I know I plan geocaching which often means hikes into my holidays and that means staying somewhere

Long term it would end up costing society more, due poor health, obesity etc. How do you also define a hiker as opposed to someone just going for walk along the same trail or path? Oh you have hiking boots on so you have to pay! Oh you gave trainers on so you don't have to pay. Will you also charge for the distance walked?