Kate Ashbrook, left, joins walkers at the Hebden Bridge launch
The Ramblers’ Association chairman Kate Ashbrook has been appointed patron of a nationwide network to help walkers.
Ms Ashbrook, dubbed the high-priestess of countryside access by the Independent on Sunday, called for more communities to recognise the benefits of the Walkers Are Welcome scheme, which has seen 12 towns sign up since its launch in February last year.
She was among speakers when the Pennine town of Hebden Bridge became the first in Britain to declare itself a haven for hikers. Now, 11 more towns have joined the scheme and a further 13 are working towards gaining the status.
Ms Ashbrook said: “Walkers Are Welcome is a stamp of approval, it means that walkers can be sure of a warm welcome in the town and of high-quality walking opportunities around it, with a good public transport network to help them.
“This is an excellent way to ensure that the community, including the local council, works to put the public paths and walking routes in the town’s vicinity in good order, something which, sadly, one cannot guarantee everywhere. It shows that investing in quiet recreation brings rewards as visitors are attracted to the town and spend money there.
“Walkers Are Welcome literally puts the town on the walking map.
“This pioneering scheme has got off to a great start; I am delighted to be an ambassador for this great initiative and look forward to visiting both the established towns and those which are considering joining the scheme. Now we need to spread the network both south and eastwards, so that the benefits are widespread. ”
To gain the accolade, towns have to show: popular support for the concept; formal endorsement by the local council; action to ensure rights of way are maintained in good condition; adequate marketing of Walkers Are Welcome status; encouragement of using public transport, and demonstration of mechanisms in place to maintain the status.
The scheme’s chairman Malcolm Wilkinson, said: “We are delighted and privileged that Kate has agreed to support Walkers Are Welcome as our patron.
“She is a role model to all walkers and we hope that, with her help, Walkers Are Welcome will enable many more walkers, especially novices and families, to enjoy parts of our fantastic British countryside in safety – and with a guaranteed Welcome!”
Towns currently signed up to Walkers Are Welcome are: Hebden Bridge; Moffat; Prestatyn and Meliden; Mytholmroyd; Church Stretton; Market Weighton; Kilsyth; Pentrefoelas; Bishop’s Castle; Richmond, North Yorkshire; Otley, and Cilgerran.
The organisation’s annual conference takes place this Sunday, 26 October, in Prestatyn, Denbighshire.
