Beverley Penney OBE
Ramblers chiefs have paid tribute to their former Wales director who was appointed an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Beverley Penney worked with the campaigning group from 1982 to 2009 before stepping down as director of Ramblers Cymru.
Tom Franklin, Ramblers chief executive, said: “Beverley worked for Ramblers Cymru for 27 years, a time when walking for pleasure changed from being a niche activity to a mainstream pastime enjoyed by millions who clearly love walking in Wales.
“At a Wales level Beverley has championed walking and access opportunities for everyone and to anyone who wanted to hear.”
Denis McAteer, the new chairman of Ramblers Cymru, said: “I have worked with Beverley over the years in many different capacities and she engaged enthusiastically with a wide range of partners to ensure that the Ramblers’ message was heard far and wide. Her work was much appreciated by the membership.”
She has overseen many changing to the walking scene in Wales. The All Wales Coast Path is nearly a reality and will be formally opened next year.
Walking Festivals now take place across Wales and bring vital tourism income. Walking has been calculated to contribute £548m to the Welsh economy.
Under Ms Penney’s directorship, Ramblers Cymru worked hard to secure the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, confirming a right to walk in the mountains and wilder land of Wales.
Other projects included rail rambles, Walk and Talk/Lonc a Chlonc and more recently e-trails and there have been celebration walks. In 1985 hundreds of walkers hiked from Conwy to Cardiff for the association’s 50th and in 2010 thousands of walkers took place in baton walks passing a 75th anniversary baton around the country to celebrate the Ramblers’ birthday.
Beverley Penney said: “I was so glad to be a part of this growing movement developing walking for the benefit of Wales and honoured that fellow Ramblers put my contribution forward for this award.
“I want to pay tribute to the volunteers and colleagues who have worked so hard and well to secure these benefits.”
She intends to walk the Beacons Way this summer.
