Do some walking on the web to help save Britain’s footpaths
Millions of people across the UK traditionally love to get out in the great outdoors. There they enjoy our wonderful and varied countryside and coastline. With current vital restrictions keeping people within their homes, there is still a way to explore our footpaths. And, while following government guidelines of two metre social distancing during daily exercise, also provide a ”fantastic” service, guaranteeing routes for walkers stay accessible for the future. Website www.ramblers.org. uk features links to help you get started finding lost footpaths right across the country and allowing you to get them mapped. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act introduced a cutoff date for adding historic paths to key maps. But ramblers and others were not impressed! The period before the cut-off date has now been extended from 10 to 25 years. On January 1 2026 footpaths and bridleways that existed before 1949, but which aren’t recorded on definitive maps, will be no more. Our footpaths are treasured assets, say ramblers, too often taken for granted. Said a spokesman: “Shaped over centuries, they tell the stories of our landscape, our history and our heritage, they describe how generations before us travelled to the pub, field or shops and they allow everyone to enjoy the countryside, both on our doorstep and across Britain’s iconic landscapes.” It is estimated around 10,000 miles of paths across England and Wales are now at risk of being lost to future generations unless we all make a real concerted bid to chart and save them.
To find, map and save those thousands of miles of lost paths, ramblers have launched Don’t Lose Your Way mapping tool. Everyone can join the search for lost and hidden paths. You will be given instructions around your home area for exploration. You sign up to the link on The Ramblers’ website. In response to government advice, they urge all walkers who currently want to take some exercise outdoors not to travel, but rather walk locally. Their website advises: “Our priority is to protect the health of our members, volunteers and staff, and help suppress the spread of COVID-19. “We’re reviewing our guidance daily,” they added. Visit www.ramblers.org. uk/coronavirus for regular updates.