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- First Miles Without Stiles routes open
First Miles Without Stiles routes open
- By Chief Editor
- Published 17 Jul 2008
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
Herefordshire Council’s public rights of way section has just completed work on two new routes aimed at improving access for the less able and people who want an easy-going walk.
A three-mile loop around Cradley and Mathon and a two-mile stretch of paths around Colwall are the first Miles Without Stiles routes to be opened in the county. Both routes lie within the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for community services and economic development, said: “We are keen to ensure as many people as possible can get out and about to enjoy the county’s beautiful countryside. Removing stiles makes these routes far more accessible for anyone who has mobility problems and for people who want an easy walk without having to clamber over stiles.
“We are keen for these two routes to be the first of many stile-free routes throughout the county. To encourage this, we will supply and fit any gates for free if they are replacing stiles on public footpaths,” he added.
The Miles Without Stiles initiative has been part funded by Natural England through the Malvern Hills AONB Partnership. Partnership funding has also helped to improve signage and provide route map leaflets.
Paul Esrich, manager o
f the Malvern Hills AONB Unit, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support Herefordshire Council in this new initiative. The Miles Without Stiles routes are an excellent example of how partnership working can help to demonstrate best practice within this nationally important landscape.”
The leaflets have been designed to help people better understand whether walking routes are suitable for their ability. The leaflets include a description of surface types, gradients and restrictions such as narrow bridges and steps.
They also give a brief history of the walking area and inform of any historic features to be found en route.
Vincent Playdon, Herefordshire Council area rights of way officer, said: “We are trying to get away from giving out route gradings and saying whether our routes are more suitable for certain fitness abilities than others.
“We are all different and what one person thinks is an easy route may be more of a challenge to another.
“Our new route format will inform walkers and they can then make their own mind up as to whether the whole route is suitable for them or whether they would just like to walk certain sections which they feel they can manage,” he added.
Any landowners wishing to replace stiles with gates on a public footpath should contact Vincent Playdon, Herefordshire Council area rights of way officer, on 01432 383221.
A three-mile loop around Cradley and Mathon and a two-mile stretch of paths around Colwall are the first Miles Without Stiles routes to be opened in the county. Both routes lie within the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for community services and economic development, said: “We are keen to ensure as many people as possible can get out and about to enjoy the county’s beautiful countryside. Removing stiles makes these routes far more accessible for anyone who has mobility problems and for people who want an easy walk without having to clamber over stiles.
“We are keen for these two routes to be the first of many stile-free routes throughout the county. To encourage this, we will supply and fit any gates for free if they are replacing stiles on public footpaths,” he added.
The Miles Without Stiles initiative has been part funded by Natural England through the Malvern Hills AONB Partnership. Partnership funding has also helped to improve signage and provide route map leaflets.
Paul Esrich, manager o
The leaflets have been designed to help people better understand whether walking routes are suitable for their ability. The leaflets include a description of surface types, gradients and restrictions such as narrow bridges and steps.
They also give a brief history of the walking area and inform of any historic features to be found en route.
Vincent Playdon, Herefordshire Council area rights of way officer, said: “We are trying to get away from giving out route gradings and saying whether our routes are more suitable for certain fitness abilities than others.
“We are all different and what one person thinks is an easy route may be more of a challenge to another.
“Our new route format will inform walkers and they can then make their own mind up as to whether the whole route is suitable for them or whether they would just like to walk certain sections which they feel they can manage,” he added.
Any landowners wishing to replace stiles with gates on a public footpath should contact Vincent Playdon, Herefordshire Council area rights of way officer, on 01432 383221.