Good to walk (From Barry And District News)

Good to walk

Good to walk

NOT for the first time Mr Langford pontificates on subjects he knows little about. This time it is the Vale of Glamorgan footpath network.

Since 1996, a partnership between the Vale Council, landowners, farmers and The Ramblers Association in the Valeways Project has led to a remarkable improvement in condition of the footpath network.

At the end of this financial year more than 310kms of the total network of 480kms have been upgraded and repaired.

A survey carried out in October and September of 2002 of 324 paths (approx 100 miles) in 10 communities in the Easter Vale showed 81.7 percent in good condition. Giving the work carried out since then it is realistic to expect the improvement to have continued.

More and more people are now walking in the Vale because the large majority of paths are clear and easy to find.

The Welsh Tourist Board and Vale Council are now looking to promote the Vale as an area for walking.

This will have a knock on effect on the local economy and will be very cost effective against the cost of path maintenance.

One only has to remember the detrimental effect on tourism and the related industries when the footpath network was closed due to the Foot and Mouth outbreak.

At a time when health and fitness is an every day media topic walking has never been more popular.

Membership of the Ramblers Association in Glamorgan is growing at over eight per cent, one of the highest rates in Britain.

B Palmer

Press and Publicity Officer

Glamorgan Area Ramblers Association

Glen Mavis Way

Barry