Environment
ViewsMay 4th, 2012
It is a very busy few weeks for Ramblers, 24 April marked the 80th anniversary of the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass which was pivotal to securing the right to roam in open countryside in England and Wales. Without this event it is very unlikely we would be celebrating the opening of the Wales Coast Path on 5th May. At 870 miles, the Wales Coast Path will be the longest continual path covering the whole of a country’s coastline. Linking up with Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail, walkers will be able to walk right round the whole of Wales in a mere 1047miles.
Ramblers Cymru has been working closely with Welsh Government, led by Countryside Council for Wales, funded by the European Union convergence fund to reach this point and we couldn’t let the opening pass without trying to walk as much of the path as possible in one go. The Big Welsh Coastal Walk will take place over the weekend of the 5th May and offers people the chance to celebrate the coastline all round Wales by joining any of the 100 or so walks we have planned. You don’t have to be a seasoned walker or even own a bobble hat to join in, we have walks for everyone and there are also celebration events to mark the opening in Cardiff, Aberystwyth and Flint organised by Welsh Government.
With the support of Sport Wales we have also produced an iPhone app to help the public build up confidence and stamina over a twelve week training plan. Starting from very little walking the user aims for more than 30 minutes every day. The app is free from iTunes. We are hoping this will show people that walking is one of the healthiest and greenest activities. Anyone, anywhere, can open their door and get walking.
Not only will our members be celebrating the fact that we can now walk round Wales, they will also be inspecting their handy work as many of them have been helping to create and clear paths with the Local Authorities along the coast. I walked over one of their excellent bridges a couple of weeks ago on the Ceredigion Coast Path and the standard of work is remarkable. Ramblers Volunteers are very active in their local areas and as well as offering a varied walk programme they also ensure the network of paths remain open and accessible.
The Wales Coast Path connects Chepstow in south with Deeside in the North and offers a spectacular range of views and experiences from the stunning Gower Peninsula to the whistling sand of the Llyn. You can visit Castles, Islands and spot wildlife along the way. The 5th of May is not the end of the process it is a step along the way, the route still needs improving in places so that we can show our beautiful Nation in the best possible light and offer visitors the longest sea view they have ever seen. Come rain or hopefully shine on the 5th we will be out walking the path and encouraging as many people as possible to discover it for themselves. Come and join us.
Ceri Thomas is Operations Manager at Rambler Cymru
