National trails such as the Pennine Way bring economic benefits to rural communities, the Ramblers said

Britain’s biggest walking campaigning organisation called for the setting up of a charity trust to oversee England’s national trails.

The Ramblers said the long-distance routes risk relegating the top-class trails into garden paths.

The charity said coalition Government proposals to hand over responsibility of paths such as the Pennine Way and Hadrian’s Wall Path puts them at risk and ignores the commercial potential of the routes.

It called on the Government to set up a national charitable trust to look after the 12 trails. A similar organisation, the Canal & River Trust now looks after canals and waterways in England and Wales after the abolition of British Waterways.

The Ramblers said: “The Government is proposing to change the way national trails are looked after, handing them over to hard-pressed local authorities and voluntary groups.

“Not only do the proposals pose a real risk to the quality of the trails but also prevent the country from collectively harnessing the tourism, economic and health benefits of the trails.

“National trails currently receive 12 million visits a year and the South West Coast Path alone brings in more than £300m a year for the regional economy supporting over 7,500 jobs, but we are only scratching the surface in terms of their economic, tourism, health and recreational potential.

“At a time when the Government is looking to turn around the economy, the 2,500 miles of trail have the potential to connect rural businesses, tourists and local people across the country, bringing money into struggling rural economies and encouraging local people to be proud of protecting their local environment.

“They can also attract greater visitor numbers; helping a wider range of people to get healthier, breathe fresh air and re-engage with nature.

“This is why the Ramblers are proposing creating a national charity to protect these national assets and unleash their full potential.”

Andrew Denton: 'Trust would be of great benefit'

The charity issued a document, National Trails: a fantastic future, to press its argument. Andrew Denton, chief executive of the Outdoor Industries Association, gave his backing to the idea, saying: “National trails are hugely important to the outdoors industry and generate millions of pounds for the economy every year.

“A National Trails Trust as proposed by the Ramblers would see the trails thrive which would be of great benefit to those who use national trails as well as those whose businesses rely upon them.”

The Ramblers said: “A National Trails Trust would go above and beyond the current status quo to attract visitors from around the world and extend the reach and benefits of our national trails to millions more.

“Having been involved with national trails since their inception, the Ramblers are offering their ambition, resources and expertise to work with government to help make a National Trails Trust a reality.”

Benedict Southworth, Ramblers chief executive, said: “Our national trails already inspire more than 12 million visitors a year to enjoy the countryside and get active outdoors – but we are only scratching the surface in terms of their potential.

“Current proposals risk relegating these historic routes to the garden path rather than the world renowned attractions they should be.

Benedict Southworth: 'proposals risk relegating historic routes'

“We want to see a National Trails Trust that looks to expand, develop and improve the National Trails network; attracting visitors from around the world, bringing money into rural businesses and helping millions more experience the health and well-being benefits of getting outdoors on these historic routes.

“The Ramblers is offering to bring its aspiration, experience and its resources to help set up a charitable Trust which can ensure our National Trails have a fantastic future.”

The Ramblers said a National Trails Trust would:

• Ensure consistently high quality standards
• Lessen the burden on overstretched local authorities
• Raise funds and further raise the profile of the ‘national treasures’
• Inspire local involvement in the management and development of the trails through the introduction of Local Trail Trusts
• Develop the network, ensuring the smooth integration of the England Coast Path and extending the trails’ reach.

The British Council for Archaeology; British Horse Society; Sport and Recreation Alliance; Long Distance Walkers Association; CTC – The National Cycling Charity are all supporting the call, along with celebrity outdoor enthusiasts including Janet Street-Porter and Sir Chris Bonington.

The Ramblers call came on the day Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Owen Paterson issued the Government’s Rural Statement.

Owen Paterson: 'rural England neglected by Government'. Photo: Defra

Mr Paterson, who stepped into Caroline Spelman’s shoes after her departure under last week’s Government reshuffle, said: “Rural economic growth is vital for this country.

“Businesses should be free from the unnecessary Government red tape that has got in the way of rural economic growth in the past.

“For too long, rural England was neglected by central Government and its businesses struggled to achieve their ambitions.

“We’ve already transformed the prospects of thousands of rural businesses and, want to make sure that change is felt in every part of rural England.

“To do this, we’ve created the first ‘rural contract’ to give rural areas the power to hold us to account on our promise to grow the rural economy and support thriving rural communities.”

Nicky Philpott, Ramblers director of policy and campaigns said: “It is good to see a focus from Defra on boosting rural economies, but worryingly current Government proposals on national trails not only put at risk their economic, tourism and health benefits, but also jeopardise their enormous potential for future economic growth.

“The Ramblers believe the creation of a charitable National Trails Trust is the only way to secure these precious assets and harness their ability to boost rural economies, to expand the network, to shout about it on a national and international level and unleash its full potential.”