Get involved and help us protect our paths today – #walk1000miles partner Ramblers outlines five easy ways you can make a real difference to the paths near you. Together we’re a formidable force!
Across Great Britain, Ramblers volunteers and everyday walkers play a vital role in keeping our footpath network open and accessible, maintaining gates and bridges and preventing our paths from becoming blocked or overgrown. It’s an invaluable service and something we can all contribute to.
1 Pick up litter on your next walk
Regular walkers access more of the outdoors than anyone else, and Ramblers groups are often out walking paths that are not reached by litter picking services. Next time you head out why not take an empty bag with you and fill it up with any litter you come across?
2 Clear small obstructions when out walking
If you come across a blocked path whilst out walking then you are allowed to cut back as much overgrowth as needed to get by with a small pair of secateurs. If you’re finding it difficult to walk past, then other people will be as well. Consider taking some secateurs on your next walk, but make sure you are definitely on a right of way!
3 Report any path problems you come across
If you come across any path problems that are too big for you to remove on your walk – for example, things like barbed wire across a path, missing waymarks, broken gates or stiles, or large obstructions such as a fence or a house – then report them to your local authority or Ramblers group.
4 Share photos of your favourite walk, or your favourite path, on social media
The best way to protect the path network is to get more people out using them, enjoying them and standing up for them. There are great walks, hidden paths, and unique places across the country, and the best way to inspire more people to get out walking is to share these with everyone.
Take a photo of your favourite place to walk and share on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and tag Ramblers so we can share your photos even further.
5 Become a Ramblers path volunteer
You can get more involved by signing up to volunteer with your local Ramblers group – Get out clearing paths and installing gates with a path maintenance team, or sign up to be a footpath officer to have a say over potential changes and amendments to the rights of way network.
