Wales has the most wonderful,intricate network of public

paths, offering a wonderful way toexplore the countryside. This networkoffers opportunities for great pleasure,good health, relaxation and fun for all,and on our very doorstep. As well asthese social and community benefits, thepath network is the backbone for the£548 million generated for Wales bywalkers each year. Realising all thesebenefits is the reason for launching theUse your Paths challenge.

The Use Your Paths challenge offers a wayfor all of Wales’ 33,211 km (20,756 miles) ofpaths to be walked over the coming year.Anyone can take part by choosing a 1kmsquare from the map on the Ramblers’website, walking the paths in that square,telling the local authority of any pathproblems, and then entering the square onthe interactive website to turn the squaregreen. Or you can do all this by contactingRamblers by phone or post. The squares aresmall enough (just 1km square) for people to

walk the paths in less than a day. People willneed to borrow a map, get their walking shoeson and set off along the paths notinganything that needs fixing. Local Ramblerscan provide information and support.

Ultimately, we’d like to check all the pathsin Wales; that’s all the green dots and dasheson the OS Explorer maps (1:25.000) or thepink dots and dashes on the 1:50,000 maps.The challenge applies to all public footpaths,bridleways, roads used as public paths,restricted byways, byways open to all trafficand other routes with public access.

If walkers find additional problems forother users, like riders on bridleways, forexample, it makes sense to let the localauthority know of these too. Informing thelocal authority of any problems found onpaths, (and the local RA contact) or offeringthem praise, is an important part of the task.We already know that there are many

problems on Welsh paths and only 40% ofthem are easy to use (source: performanceindicators supplied by the Welsh LocalGovernment Data Unit).

We want to demonstrate that paths arebeing walked and let the local authority knowof path problems and of good paths too. Thechallenge focuses on paths that are officiallyrecorded on the definitive map. If paths arenot recorded but appear on the ground, theseare called lost ways (contact RA for furtherinfo).

This is a huge challenge, which we hopepeople will enjoy and use to get to know theirpaths better.

THE CHARITY WORKINGFOR WALKERS

WelshISSUE 65

Use Your Paths –meeting the challenge

PAGE 1

Use your Paths launch at the Royal Welsh Show from left to right Ron Williams, Chair RA Wales,Carwyn Jones AM, Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside, Roger Thomas, Chief ExecutiveCCW and Beverley Penney, Director Wales.

Inside this issue:� Coastal Access – the plans unfold� Photographic

Competition inassociation with:www.useyourpaths.info

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rambler_65_ENGLISH 28/9/06 11:00 PM Page 1

Malcolm Wilkinson“Top Volunteer”Malcolm is vice Chairman of Ramblers Walesand a tireless, innovative, thorough andcharming member of the Vale of Clwyd groupand North Wales Area. Malcolm was made alocal hero for his voluntary work for theRamblers, the Ffrith Residents Association,Ffrith Beach Action Group and Prestatyn andDistrict Environment Association. ChrisRuane MP made a presentation to Malcolmpaying tribute to his exceptional work formany worthwhile causes. The ExperienceCorp organised a Heroes Tea Party and addedMalcolm to their roll of honour.Congratulations to Malcolm.

2006/7NOVEMBER5th – Greater Gwent

Area AGM11th – Glamorgan Area AGM13th – Carmarthenshire Area AGM18th – Pembrokeshire Area AGMDECEMBER26th-1st Jan – Festival of Winter

WalksJANUARY 200713th – North Wales Area AGM13th – Powys Area AGMMARCH 200710th-11th – Scottish Council24th-25th – Welsh Council 2007,

Barry, near Cardiff31st-1st April – General Council,

Reading

Hello Again …We have lots of news for you in this issue.

The launch, at the Royal Welsh Show, of the Use Your Paths challenge,which encourages people to walk all of Wales’ 33,211 km (20,756 miles) ofpaths over the next year, went extremely well. Both Carwyn Jones AM andRoger Thomas, CEO of the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), came alongand were really enthusiastic and supportive.

You may have seen the publicity around the launch of the Anglesey CoastPath in June. First Minister Rhodri Morgan announced that we would have acoast path round Wales but the press release notes said that open access on thecoast was out because of objections from farmers. As you will see on page 4,we have since got that amended so that open access is still an option. Ramblersare aiming for access as promised in section 3 of the CROW Act i.e. access onfoot to beaches, foreshore, cliffs, sea banks and estuaries (and adjacent land) –in line with the wishes of 94% of people surveyed.

Richard Granville’s contract finished in July and, before he sped off to theShetland Islands on holiday, we had a meal to wish him well. Our very best

wishes for the future Richard.

We are pleased that people enjoyed the last issue of YCerddwr/Welsh Rambler - thank you for the good andconstructive feedback. We are always keen to see and publishyour letters and emails. Thanks to all the volunteers who havehelped Ramblers in many ways over the summer.

Enjoy walking!

Beverley Director Wales

PAGE 2

AUTUMN 2006Welsh

Obituaries

Funds for betteraccess The Assembly has allocated £350,000 to NationalPark authorities to improve access for people withdisabilities.Read about a great day out our North WalesWheelchair users had at Aber Falls – page 8.

The Ramblers’ Association,3 Coopers Yard, Curran Road, CARDIFF. CF10 5NB

Tel: 029 2064 4308 • Fax: 029 2064 5187Website: www.ramblers.org.uk

email: cerddwyr@ramblers.org.uk

The Ramblers Association is a registered charity(No. 1093577) and a company limited by guarantee in England

and Wales (No. 4458492).Registered Office: Camelford House,

87-89 Albert Embankment, London. SE1 7TW.

MEMBERSHIP The membership figure in Wales at

1st September 2006 is 7,058, an annualincrease of 0.5%.

Overall, GB-wide membership totals 137,915

Malcolm Wilkinson (right) and Chris Ruane MP

Beverley Penney

JOHN SANSOMJohn was a great walker and the creator of theBeacons Way the 90-mile long distance trail acrossthe Brecon Beacon National Park. John was afounder member of BBNP Society and animportant contributor to his local access forum. Hewas a naturalist, very knowledgeable and passionateabout landscape history and secretary to the SouthWales drystone wallers. He died in the Spring andwill be deeply missed by many. We send ourcondolences to Ruth, his wife, a fellow enthusiast.

LIZ JONESLiz was a terrific walker and great supporter andfriend of the Cynon Valley Group and the Rambersin Wales together with her inseperable husband Syd- to whom we send our condolences on her saddeath.

ANDY HOLLANDOn a sombre note we remember Andy Holland whopassed away earlier this year. Andy was a committeemember for Islwyn Ramblers who held several postswithin the group from its inception.

Andy and his wife Liz, brought to the group awide range of walks within our area and severalmore further afield. He was a keen walker whowould often regale us with his experiences andescapades/exploits from the different countrieswhere he served with the Air Force, some scary andsome hilarious. He is fondly remembered by all.

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On 25th June 2006 during Use YourPaths week Penarth Ramblers held aspecial walk to show everyone a

footpath which Nina and Derek Smithcommitted 5 years of their life to protecting.

Penarth Group had been surveyingfootpaths in 1995 and found this missinglink. Nina spoke with local people and foundthat many recalled using the path as schoolchildren – several helped in the campaign byproviding user evidence. Following this upshe secured the support of the WenvoeCommunity Council, in the Vale ofGlamorgan.

Nina, together with husband Dereksucceeded in regaining the missing 190

metres of Wenvoe 23, but only after having tocollect user and map evidence, appealing tothe Welsh Office when the local authority didnot take it forward and successfullypresenting a case at local inquiry. Sadly Ninadied last year and her walking friends weredelighted to remember her by walkingtogether the path she and Derek felt so deeplyabout.

Barbara Palmer, fellow Penarth groupfootpath enthusiast said, “Nina’s efforts ingetting this missing 190 metres of path backon the map re-opened a delightful paththrough the woods that offers an importantpath to the people of Wenvoe and beyond”.

Royal WelshShowAlex Marshall (WCEC vice chair)RA Wales had a stand at theRoyal Welsh Show (RWS)between 24th and 27th July. This year wewere able to share a large open tent with othersimilar environmental organisations in agreat location – hopefully we will get a primespot next year too!

On the Tuesday we launched the RA UseYour Paths challenge. Carwyn Jones AM andMinister for Rural Affairs, Countryside andPlanning signed up for a square in hisconstituency. Members of CCW, AssemblyMembers, civil servants, councillors and thegeneral public also signed up. The Ministerrevealed at the launch that he was amendingthe Welsh Assembly Government’s policy onCoastal Access. In his statement he said“There will be further consideration given tothe issue of a statutory right of access tocoastal areas”. RA Wales welcomed this clearpolicy shift from that made six weeks earlier.

I would like to thankthe RA Wales staff whoset-up and manned thestand and also thevolunteers who gave uptheir time to assist.

We also had displaysat the Denbigh andFlint Show in NorthWales and the Vale ofGlamorgan Show inSouth Wales.

NationalEisteddfod ofWales, SwanseaMeic Rees (Llanelli Group)Wythnos bendigedig! Awonderful week! A time tomeet up with old friendsand make new ones, both

in and outside the Stondin. At times we were kept quite busy, with

many people eager to join and others wantingto know more about the organisation and itswalks. Many people certainly made theirfeelings known about various blocked pathsaround Wales!

The Eisteddfod was blessed with fineweather, although not everyone was happywith the surface of dusty chippings. Still, itwas no bother for ramblers, of course, withtheir sturdy footwear!

I have met up with the new memberssigned up on the Maes, now part of theirrespective groups, and the envy of all with thenew pedometers that they acquired onenrolment!

It was a pleasure to be part of theRamblers’ team at the Eisteddfod. Yet again itproved a very worthwhile exercise and asplendid promotional platform forthe organisation.

Cerrig Camu / Stepping Stones

UPDATEA big thank-you to allwalkers, walk leadersand organisers of thesewalks – they would

not happen without you.The Cerrig Camu/ Stepping Stones project(CC/SS) is currently run in 19 groups across 15Unitary Authorites in Wales. One of our targetsthat we are determined to hit is to have CC/SS projects in all Unitary Authorities in Wales.

If your group has not got a CC/SSprogramme, or you would like to set-up aprogramme, with training and support fromthe Wales office, then please call Anwen on029 2064 4308. Missing authorities areMonmouthshire, Newport, RCT, Caerphilly,Neath Port-Talbot, Swansea and Torfaen.

>>> this is what your claim forms tell us!For the 12-month period up to March 2006there were 236 walks with an estimated3,338 walkers, including 603 new walkers.

Nina’s Path

RAMBLERS OUT AND ABOUT

Enjoying Nina’s path

WORKING FOR WALKERS

PAGE 3

Welsh

PROMOTING WALKING >>>

>>> STATISTICS >>>

WELSH COUNCIL 2007The next Welsh Council will be held between 24-25 March 2007 at theMount Sorrel Hotel in Barry, nr Cardiff. After last year’s successful eventin Bangor we are hoping that more of you will be able to attend andcontribute towards Welsh Ramblers’ activities.

Nick Parkerand AlexMarshallworking hardat theEisteddfod

Visitors kept Ramblers’

volunteers busy at the

Royal Welsh Show

rambler_65_ENGLISH 28/9/06 11:00 PM Page 3

The longer story is that, in campaigningfor the Countryside and Rights of Way

Act (CROW), the Ramblers argued for openaccess to coastal areas too. We secured clause3 in the Act, which empowers the NationalAssembly for Wales to amend the definition ofopen country contained in the CROW Act toinclude coastal land (defined as the foreshoreand land adjacent to the foreshore,particularly any cliff, barrier, dune, beach orflat). Ramblers have been campaigning forthis, together with provision for access alongthe cliff top, all set within a wide band ofaccess land. We are also seeking agri-environment measures to improve both thequality of the access and its biodiversity value.We think Wales should aim for the best coastalaccess in the world, at least as good as theexcellent arrangements in Scotland,Scandinavia, France, Denmark and Portugal.

Ramblers lobbied Welsh Labour for apromise to be included in the 2003 manifestothat said, “We will further extend open accessto coastal areas…” We were also able tosecure a strong commitment in theAssembly’s strategic plan Wales: A BetterCountry promising to “further extend openaccess to coastal areas after the initial accessto open country is established”, with likelyimplementation from 2008/9.

In September 2005 the CountrysideCouncil for Wales (CCW) began to prepareoptions for the Assembly on the way forward.This involved consultation with the NationalAccess Forum for Wales and invitedstakeholders in three exploratory coastalareas. Unfortunately, Ramblers’ volunteersfelt that this process was very focussed on thecreation of a coastal path and didn’tadequately consider open coastal access. Apaper to CCW’s Board in February 2006contained two path options and Ramblers

pulled out the stops to make a case for a thirdopen access option. Ramblers metEnvironment Minister Carwyn Jones AM inApril 2006.

In May 2006 our views were bolsteredwhen an opinion poll by ICM showed that94% of people across Wales and England saidthat they wanted a legal right of access tocoastal areas including beaches, cliffs andforeshore (and, we think, adjacent land).

Wales has secure public access to just 60%of its coast; the remainder has only limitedand often inadequate provision (CCW Feb2006). Securing the remainder anddeveloping the quality of the coast path iswhere the gains will be made. We thought itlikely that the Minister would want to putsome options out to full public consultation.

Then, on 9 June 2006, First MinisterRhodri Morgan launched coastal access,whilst opening the Anglesey coastal path. Wesaw this path announcement as a stepforward, but not enough.

The key objectives of the First Minister’scoastal access programme are to:

i. Improve access to the coast for localcommunities and visitors through localpath improvements, including newcircular routes at the coast;

ii. Secure improved opportunities forwheelchair and pram access to the coastalenvironment for the benefit of thedisabled and families with young children;

iii. Deliver new opportunities for cyclists andhorse riders to enjoy the Welsh coast;

iv. Deliver enhanced public access bymaximising existing path infrastructureand improving links to areas of coastal land to which the public haverights of access (under the CROW Act and to National Trust and publicly

COASTAL ACCESS >>>

PAGE 4

AUTUMN 2006Welsh

IN A COCKLESHELL the story is this - the Assembly has announced aprogramme to provide local networks of paths around coastal communities,better access for cyclists, horse-riders and people with disabilities. At the topof this list will be an all-Wales coastal path and, crucially, statutory access isstill under consideration. Ramblers say that it is essential to have adequatenew money, political will and a clear vision indicating the high qualityproduct needed. If all this is forthcoming, the proposals will be reallywelcome with wonderful prospects for delivering the potential health,community and economic benefits.

THIS HAS DEVELOPED phenomenally since the Ynys Môn Ramblers began towalk, research and promote the idea more than twenty years ago. Over the last 5years with the benefit of EU funding the path and its promotion have improvedtremendously, much credit should go to those involved, but more needs to bedone as 28 of its 125 miles are still on tarmac and 37 miles remain permissive.Local Ramblers are now asking for improvements on the National Trust Estate atPlas Newydd, Baron Hill and Bodorgan estate. Rosie Frankland, Anglesey CoastalPath Officer, says “Work between Ynys Môn Ramblers and the Coastal Path Teamhas been really positive especially on the practical side, in planning andundertaking actual improvements. Local members have also aided in evidencegathering at an important public enquiry to establish a brand new section of pathat Traeth Bychan”.

ANGLESEY COAST PATH

Walking the coast in Wales– the unfolding plans

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PAGE 5

WORKING FOR WALKERS Welsh

PLAYING YOUR PARTIF THE IDEA of improved coastal accessexcites you, you may like to play your partlocally for the Ramblers. We think there

will be a focussed effort on coastal access. Overthe coming months we think you could:

� let us know that you would like to help anddetails of a conference will be sent to you;

� volunteer for a local partnership to plan newcoastal access with the aim of securing highquality access;

� make the case locally for open access toinclude beaches, foreshore (the area betweenmean low and mean high tides) cliffs and anyadjacent land;

� develop Ramblers ideas for circular routes oncoast paths;

� make sure any problems on the coastal andnear-coast paths are reported to the localauthority;

� develop your own ideas for new paths neededfor the All Wales coastal route for access tothe coast, for getting to CROW access landand for circular paths;

� develop your own ideas for circular routesaround coastal communities and considerhow the needs of other users can be met likewheelchair users, cyclists, horseriders. Thismay well mean surveying routes and perhapscontacting local representatives for theseorganisations;

� if you do survey routes – please click andcomplete the “use your paths” grid squareswww.useyourpaths.info;

� identify coastal communities where goodwork has already gone on;

� press your local authority to bid early forEuropean funds for the project.

The Assembly has promised a focussed effort onthe coast. This is where the action will be, so ourrequest is that volunteers help with this work. Wewill give as much support as we can but we willneed to know what you are doing, so please get intouch. We would like to have a volunteer and,ideally a small team, for each of the sixteencoastal authorities.

This coming year will be a planning year sogetting involved early with the local partnershipwill give you the greatest opportunity toinfluence.

owned land at the coast)

v. In the longer term deliver a good quality allWales coastal path, connecting up existingcoastal trails such as the PembrokeshireCoastal Path. [This will be permanent anderosion proofed. Source WAG meeting 29June 2006]

We were alarmed that the press release(WAG 09.06.06) said in the notes “Farminginterests in Wales had opposed a general legalright for the public to access all land at thecoast and the Assembly Government is notproposing this as part of this programme”.Ramblers expressed their concern to theAssembly and received a response from officialsand Carwyn Jones AM (on 25th July) whoclarified their position by saying that “Therewill be further consideration given to the issueof a statutory right of access to coastal areas”.We are much encouraged by this statement, asnow all of the options for gaining coastalaccess are again available. A big thank you toeveryone who helped us get to this position.

For coastal access to work well it is vitalthat the Assembly offers a strategic visionand thorough guidance to local authoritiesand interested bodies. This plan should beflexible and capable of taking adjustment if itis not delivering. We would like coastal accessto be in place to promote exerciseparticipation and tourism in time for theLondon Olympics in 2012.

ElsewhereRamblers in Scotland already enjoy full openaccess, with a well-established legal right towalk along their entire coastline. In Englandthe picture is less rosy but they are followingthe same improvement programme as here inWales. An announcement on the futuredirection of coastal access is still awaited, butlooks set to be based upon public consultation(which we have not had in Wales) around thestatutory open access option.

Our coastal access visionWe are seeking a legal right towalk in coastal areas, allowingcontinuous, permanent, wide,

erosion-proofed access around thecoast of Wales. It should includepublic access on foot to beaches,

cliffs, foreshore and adjacent landand safeguards to protect wildlife,habitats and property. We would

also like to see the introduction ofagri-environment measures todevelop the quality of coastalaccess and biodiversity value.

© Visit Wales

Children at the National Eisteddfod colouring picturesto tell us what they enjoy doing on the coast.

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PAGE 6

In May the Welsh Assembly Governmentlaunched its new Environment Strategy.

This is really significant as it officiallyrecognises the pressures placed on theenvironment by built developments, theconsumption of resources and changingclimate. It states how the Assembly aims toprotect and enhance the environment in itsown right, and also that the strategy has to be

taken into account in any planning process. Itis therefore a useful reference to have in mindif you are looking at planning applications, toremind planners of their obligation to protectthe environment.

The published strategy has 5 themes,which are then channelled into 62 (!) actionpoints: � Addressing Climate Change,

� Sustainable use of resources, � Distinctive bio-diversity, landscapes and

seascape, � Environmental hazards and � Our local environment. This is a key

section for us. It commits to improvingpeoples’ access to green space and thecountryside (including the coast) toincrease the use of the ‘naturalenvironment for physical activity andenjoyment’. Ease of use of rights of way isreinforced as a key indicator. Importantly,this is complemented by the commitmentto improve walk-ability in urban areas andencouraging walking for short journeys.

Bulldozing through energy developments?

AUTUMN 2006Welsh

Policy Developments –Environment Strategy

Calling all photographers! We are looking for your original images showcasing thebeauty and diversity of the Welsh countryside for a photo competition. The winningentries will each receive a fantastic rucksack worth between £35 and £65 courtesy ofCotswold Outdoor and have their photo published in a future edition of Welsh Rambler.There are four categories: � Splendid Vistas – our amazing countryside;� People and Places – showing the wide range and variety of people who enjoy

walking in Wales;� Blot on the Landscape – anything from litter to a badly designed building;� Obstacles on my Path – things that get in your way. Dead line: 1st November 2006

• Files can be supplied digitally or hardcopy (prints, transparencies). • Include a short caption describing the exact location of the photograph (including a Grid ref)

and some background (why something caught your eye, why the image is unique etc). • Winners will be announced and published in the next edition of Welsh Rambler.• You give us permission to use your photographs.

Please send entries to: The Ramblers’ Association, 3 Coopers Yard, Curran Road, Cardiff, CF10 5NB or e-mail to cerddwyr@ramblers.org.uk

Photo Competitionin association with:

COUNTRYSIDE >>>

The papers were buzzing earlier thissummer with talk of energy as the UKgovernment published its Energy

Review and the Welsh Affairs Committeepublished its report on Energy in Wales. Thebiggest splash in the press concerned nuclearpower, but perhaps a more insidious threatwas the declaration that the planning processshould be made easier for energy generatorsand transmission companies.

Considering RA Wales’ concerns that ourupland areas need more protection from largescale wind turbine developments, this is aworrying issue. The ‘Statement of Need’ forrenewables in the UK Energy review suggeststhat local issues may have to be sacrificed inthe interest of national benefits. It statesfurther that the benefits to society and the

wider economy as a whole are significant andshould be given “considerable weight whenconsidering renewable proposals”. If‘considerable weight’ means de-prioritisingthe protection of our countryside then wehave a big problem here.

In Wales, we would argue that ourlandscapes are a national resource that needfull protection, even in the context of climatechange. Over 20% of those landscapes maynow be designated open country, but this willsacrificed in both area and quality if thebulldozers move in. Remember, though, thatthe Assembly’s own Environment Strategycommits to maintaining our landscapecharacter. We also see in the Welsh AffairsCommittee report the closing comment;“Wind Energy is beneficial to Wales, but that

benefit should not be over-stated. It is unfairto dismiss all opposition to wind energy asnimbyism, without understanding the validconcerns that Wales is being overly populatedby wind farms…”.

So, if the UK government is to removeplanning barriers for wind (and other) energydevelopers – and accelerate access to thenational grid through joined up applicationsbetween generators and distributors – weneed to be on our guard. Speeding up theplanning process will inevitably reduce theopportunity to hear the legitimate local view.

Again the Welsh Affairs Committeerecognises that the planning context‘undermines the democratic accountabilitythat underpins decision-making in this policyarea’. We fully support the report’s conclusionthat the position be reviewed to give, “fairaccess to the decision-making process forindividuals affected by large-scale wind farmsin Wales”.

So please keep your eyes open to localdevelopments and use your democratic rightto object to applications that might take thecountryside from under our feet.

More advice can be obtained throughMartin Dowson, Countryside Campaigner.

Carmarthenshire countryside© Martin Dowson

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PAGE 7

Brongain 14,Llanfechain, PowysBOB SEABROOK, POWYS footpaths officer forRamblers has worked for five years with AnnettePrince and the Community Council to secure aprosecution by Powys County Council against MrMichael Harding for obstructing this path in 14places. A large machinery shed, fence, chickennetting, stock-proof fencing on a footbridge, awelded gate, a pig run and removed stiles were all ofgreat interest to the Chester County Court on 28June. The court ordered the removal of theseunlawful obstructions.

Bob said “The sooner the unlawful blocking ofpaths is stopped the better for walkers and thecouncil tax payer. Far too many paths are denied orobstructed. I hope the court decision will send aclear message to path blockers that the time hascome to open up unlawfully blocked footpaths orface action in the courts”.

FOOTPATHS >>>WORKING FOR WALKERS Welsh

Brecon Beacons Draft ROWIP is thorough,clearly structured and well presented but…

Walking Tourism in the BeaconsThe Brecon Beacon National Park is promoting walking. It is the most popular activity in the

Park with some 800,000 people generating £50 million for the park economy. The newwalking tourism strategy is an encouraging document. It gives a key recommendation to“invest in improvement and maintenance to at least an agreed minimum standard across theNPA access network.” And provides advice on developing accommodation and information. Itsuggests encouraging visitors to keep car miles to a minimum. Two new documents have beenproduced, “The Sugar Loaf from Abergavenny” and “Wildlife Walks in Brecon BeaconsNational Park – a selection of family walks”.

Walkers at the summit of theSugar Loaf, Abergavenny

© T C Evans 2005

The first of the draft “Rights of WayImprovement Plans” (ROWIPs) from

Brecon Beacons National Park Authorityappears well presented and in general we havebeen pleased to note the breadth of vision thatit encompasses. Recognition of the vital rolethat countryside access plays in the physical,mental and social well being of the populationfeatures highly and sets a good foundation forthis ambitious plan to meet Welsh AssemblyGovernment guidance.

Implementation of any of theimprovements outlined in the ROWIP must bein addition to, and not in place of, the currentannual work programme and is somethingthat the Ramblers in Wales will be stressing aseach of the draft ROWIPs is made available. Ofequal importance will be clarification on thereference made to the establishment of a pathhierarchy. We are extremely wary of anyattempt to downgrade the status of publicrights of way for management ormaintenance. We are particularly concerned

about the status and attention afforded thelowest ranked paths and strongly assert theneed for legal minimum standards to bemaintained. A prioritisation system based onclearing the backlog of path problems, ratherthan a hierarchy of the paths themselves,would present a useful positive shift in focus.Greater clarity is also sought on fundingbecause a definite statement on the fundingposition would give us a much clearerindication of the current picture and aid us inour lobbying work.

As we await the arrival of other draftROWIPs from authorities in Wales, this firstdraft from Brecon Beacons National Parkprovides a real sense that the process has beentaken seriously and that the consultation andfeedback into those areas that raise concernwill likewise receive equal consideration.Finally, and as an ongoing safeguard, we areequally pleased to see that the progress ofimplementation will be subject to frequent,stringent review and consultation.

Alley-gating withgating OrdersTHE RA AIMS to promote walking in urban areas,our volunteers are challenged by pressures to closeand gate alleys.

Mike Mills ROW officer writes: In built-up areasthere are many minor highways giving rear andside access to properties and providing shortcuts intown. They range from narrow footpaths tohighways capable of accommodating vehiculartraffic. Some of these highways provideopportunities for criminal acts and anti-socialbehaviour.

The new section 129A inserted into theHighways Act 1980 provides for a local authority tomake a ‘gating’ order in respect of a highway that issubject to high and persistent levels of crime oranti-social behaviour that adversely affects localcommunities. ‘Gating’, that is, blocking some or allof the access points to the highway using gates,may reduce these problems but it is clear that suchmeasures will not be appropriate in all cases. TheRA is keen to ensure that other alternatives to dealwith alleged anti-social behaviour in alleys shouldbe explored first and that such measures should notsignal a move away from accessible and openneighbourhoods towards those that are restrictedand not necessarily safer. The RA is currentlyresponding to a draft consultation on theseregulations and will endeavour to make ourconcerns heard and ensure such measures are onlyused when appropriate and necessary.

Stockproof fencing barring access to Brongain14 - the court ordered this obstruction bereplaced by a gate.

Bob

Sea

broo

k

rambler_65_ENGLISH 28/9/06 11:00 PM Page 7

Bus and Rail Walks inDenbighshire andFlintshireby Dorothy HamiltonPhotographs by Steve Lewis– Reviewed by Laurence Main

Public transport is an essential key to thecountryside. Ramblers do not fulfil their objectof defending the beauty of the countryside byadding more cars to the expanding roadnetwork. Bus and train timetables are as usefulto the rambler as Ordnance Survey maps. Theyenable linear routes to be walked and pubs to bevisited. Gwasg Carreg Gwalch are to becongratulated on publishing this book. I justwish it had been printed on better paper. It isalso necessary to check timetables in advance.But then you should know yours anyway, whilstthey get better as people support publictransport. This book is well worth its £4.95 coverprice.Gwasg Garreg Gwalch ISBN: 086 381 815 3. Price: £4.95

Circular Walks AroundBeddgelertby Dorothy Hamilton– Reviewed by Ron Williams

Dorothy Hamilton is a new writer on the NorthWales Walks Guide Book Scene. Each walk has amap, a description of the walk with informationon places of interest and the route description.

The maps are simple and easy to understand.The descriptions are comprehensive andinteresting to read. The route directions arebroken up into short stages and easy to follow.

Although the title of the book states CircularWalks, four are “there and back”. To make themcircular would either include a section along abusy road or much more difficult – moreestablished writers would not hesitate to usethese tactics. I find this approach better.

The walks range from a walk of about 1 houraround the village and visiting the church andGelert’s Grave up to an all day ascent ofSnowdon. At first glance one questions thewisdom of putting such a wide range within thesame book. The author does however givewarnings on all the mountain walks. Gwasg Carreg Gwalch: ISBN 184 527 090 8. Price: £4.50.

Ffordd y Bannau TheBeacons Way - The HolyMountain to Bethlehem By John Sansom and Arwel Michael– a review by John Evans

I was touched to be asked to review this bookonly a few days after standing near ArwelMichael and Chris Barber at John Sansom’scremation. The Beacons Way was always John’sbrainchild, and would never have happenedwithout his vision of the concept, or his activityin recce-ing and planning the route. Howfortunate that John lived to see his brainchildcome into existence, and the enthusiasm withwhich the route has been taken up by thewalking public.

Books of this sort should appeal to thearmchair reader and the walker on the ground. Ihave so far been confined to the first category,but the book has whetted my appetite to get outinto the countryside, particularly thechallenging terrain of Mynydd Du described onday 7. I am sure the book will be an invaluable

aid to walkers planning their daysout, and will give much pleasure toall who use it. One of its joys is thevariety between each of the eightdays’ walks. They need not be walkedin the same sequence as in the book,and each Day provides a full andenjoyable walk on its own.Published for the Brecon Beacons Park Society byWalking Wales Magazine Ltd, ISBN: 190 230 5 35 4.Price: £12.00

All-Terrain pushchairwalks – Anglesey andLleyn Peninsula by Zöe Sayer and RebeccaTerry– a review by Delyth Evans

This latest collection of all-terrainpushchair walks in Anglesey andLleyn Peninsula is an excellentaddition to the series. You are spoiltfor choice with 30 walks to choosefrom ranging from 1.25 miles to 4.5miles and varying gradients.

The instructions are easy to followwith a small map for each walk,Ordnance survey reference if given if youwant more detail or alter the walkyourself. At the end of eachwalk there are usefulsuggestions of attractionsin the area suitable forchildren.

A useful guide topurchasing an all terrainpushchair is given at thebeginning of the book alongwith other useful tips on howto make your day out with alittle one as easy as possible.There is a clever little symbolsystem for each walk to let youknow if the walk is manageablealone, how strenuous it is, type ofterrain, if there is a play area,toilets, picnic table, pub, ice creamvan on route etc. All this makes iteasier to choose and plan yourouting with the children.

Some of the shorter walks are alsosuitable and fun for toddlers andyoung children. The book could haveincluded some guidance on this too.Perhaps there will be another series ofbooks on toddler walks when theauthor’s children begin to scream to getout of the pushchair!!

All in all a well written guide. Anessential reference book for yourbook shelf.Sigma Press. ISBN: 185 058 840 6. Price: £7.95

King Arthur’sCamlan: A quest forTruthby Laurence Main

This is Laurence Main’s 50th book andin it he pieces together King Arthur’slast battle, in what has been described as“a unique blend of historical fact with avisionary twist.” This 84-page book issure to be a hit with King Arthur fans andhistory lovers alike.Meirion Publications. ISBN: 187 197 411 9. Price £4.95

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BOOKS >>>ACCESS >>>AUTUMN 2006Welsh

North Wales wheelchairusers visit Aber FallsVAL WALKER JONES of North Wales Area writes: OnSaturday 10 June 2006 an event to help wheelchairusers enjoy the breath-taking views of Aber Falls in theSnowdonia National Park was organised by theCountryside Council for Wales and the SnowdoniaNational Park.

I joined 14 wheelchairs users, their families, friends,representatives from the National Trust, CCW, anarchaeologist and other park wardens at the entrance tothe reserve in Abergwyngregyn. Park warden AlanPritchard led us along the path in the Coedydd AberNational Nature Reserve to the Falls and back. Theweather was perfect, sun and lovely views all round.There was lots of chat and laughter. Some of thebatteries on the buggies became seriously low as theusers went over rough and steep ground. But help wasat hand. Now normally ramblers wouldn’t think that thispath was steep, but this outing put a whole newperspective on the problems that wheelchair users canface. There was one kissing gate along the track whichcaused a problem. When this was first put in the gatewas large enough. Now buggies are bigger. But the Park

W a r d e n spromised that thegate would bemade larger so abuggy couldreverse in andout. The joyexperienced by allwhen theyreached the Fallswas tremendous.What a great dayout!

How did CROW go?WALES AUDIT OFFICE is conducting a Value for MoneyEvaluation of Public Access to the Countryside. The finalstudy will be published in late September/early October.Ramblers were represented on the expert panel feeding intothe study and some ramblers will have received aquestionnaire as part of the research for the report. Thereport will look at delivery of the Countryside and Rights ofWay Act 2000 which has brought us access land and muchmore. It will also consider wider access issues relating topeople and paths. We look forward to some helpfulrecommendations.

A second study by Asken consultants looking at anEvaluation of the implementation of Countryside andRights of Way Act 2000 part1 in Wales March 2006concluded that all had gone well and the implementationwas a success, this is spelled out in 11 recommendations.

Scottish-style accessEARLY INDICATIONS IN responses from RA accessvolunteers show that our current CROW accessneeds be promoted but, in the long term, there issupport for “Scottish style” access legislation. All thekey questions of where, what, when, why and whoneed careful consideration. In the meantime, if this is your interest, you might visitwww.canoewales.com, where a petition calling forriverside access is open for signatures. This riversideaccess would, if secured, benefit walkers, but thecanoeists are keener to move towards the morecomprehensive Scottish-style solution. Do let usknow your views.

Wheelchair users and friendsenjoy Aber Falls

Val W

alke

r Jo

nes

TUDALEN 8

HYDREF 2006 Y

Bus and Rail Walks inDenbighshire and Flintshiregan Dorothy HamiltonFfotograffiau gan Steve Lewis– Adolygiad gan Laurence Main

Mae cludiant cyhoeddus yn allweddol i gefn gwlad.Nid yw Y Cerddwyr yn cyflawni eu hamcan wrthamddiffyn harddwch cefn gwlad drwy ychwanegumwy o geir at y rhwydwaith ffyrdd sy’n ehangu. Maeamserlenni bysiau a threnau mor ddefnyddiol i’rcerddwr â mapiau Arolwg Ordnans. Maent yngalluogi i lwybrau llinol gael eu cerdded ac i boblymweld â thafarnau. Dylid llongyfarch GwasgCarreg Gwalch ar gyhoeddi’r llyfr hwn. Gresyn nafyddai wedi cael ei argraffu ar bapur gwell. Mae’nangenrheidiol hefyd edrych ar yr amserlenni ymlaenllaw. Ond wedyn dylech fod yn gwybod beth yw eichamserlen chi beth bynnag, ac maent yn gwella wrthi bobl gefnogi cludiant cyhoeddus. Mae’r llyfr hwnyn werth ei bris o £4.95 a nodir ar y clawr.Gwasg Garreg Gwalch ISBN: 086 381 815 3 Pris: £4.95

Circular Walks AroundBeddgelertgan Dorothy Hamilton– Adolygiad gan Ron Williams

Mae Dorothy Hamilton yn awdur newydd iysgrifennu llyfrau taith am deithiau cerdded yngNgogledd Cymru. Mae gan bob tro fap, disgrifiad o’rtro gyda gwybodaeth am fannau o ddiddordeb a’rllwybr yn cael eu disgrifio.

Mae’r map yn hawdd ac yn syml. Mae’rdisgrifiadau yn gynhwysfawr ar yn ddiddorol i’wdarllen. Mae cyfeiriadau’r llwybr yn cael eu rhannu igamau byr ac maent yn hawdd eu dilyn.

Er bod teitl y llyfr yn nodi fod teithiau cylchol 4yn rhai ‘sy’n mynd yno ac yn ôl’, i wneud y rhain ynrhai cylchol byddai angen cynnwys adran ar hydffordd brysur neu adran llawer mwy anodd – byddaiysgrifenwyr mwy sefydledig yn barod iawn iddefnyddio’r tactegau hyn. I mi mae’r dull hwn ynwell.

Mae’r troeon yn amrywio o dro o ryw awr oamgylch y pentref gan ymweld â’r eglwys a BeddGelert hyd at daith diwrnod cyfan i ddringo’rWyddfa. Ar yr olwg gyntaf gellid holi pa mor ddoethyw rhoi ystod mor eang o fewn yr un llyfr. Ondmae’r awdur yn rhoi rhybuddion ynglyn â’r troeonmynyddig i gyd.Gwasg Carreg Gwalch: ISBN 184 527 090 8. Pris: £4.50.

Ffordd y Bannau TheBeacons Way - The HolyMountain to Bethlehem Gan John Sansom ac Arwel Michael– Adolygiad gan John Evans

Roeddwn yn falch iawn pan ofynnwyd i mi adolygu’rllyfr hwn ychydig ddyddiau’n unig ar ôl sefyll ynymyl Arwel Michael a Chris Barber yn amlosgiadJohn Sansom. Syniad John oedd Llwybr y Bannauac ni fyddai erioed wedi digwydd heb ei weledigaetham y syniad a’i weithgaredd yn cynllunio’r llwybr.Roeddem yn ffodus iawn fod John wedi byw i weld ysyniad yn dod i fodolaeth a’r brwdfrydedd a greoddy llwybr ymysg y cyhoedd sy’n hoff o gerdded.

Dylai llyfrau fel hyn apelio at y darllenydd mewncadair esmwyth, yn ogystal â’r cerddwr. Fe’mcyfyngwyd i’r categori cyntaf yn unig hyd yma ondmae’r llyfr wedi gwneud i mi fod ag awydd myndallan i gefn gwlad, yn arbennig i dir y Mynydd Du addisgrifiwyd ar ddiwrnod 7. Rwy’n sicr y bydd y llyfryn gymorth amhrisiadwy i gerddwyr sy’n cynllunioeu dyddiau allan, ac y bydd yn rhoi llawer o bleser i

bawb sy’n ei ddefnyddio. Un o’ibleserau yw’r amrywiaeth rhwng pobun o droeon yr wyth diwrnod. Nid oesraid iddynt gael eu cerdded yn yr undrefn ag yn y llyfr, ac mae pob diwrnodyn cynnig tro llawn a phleserus ar ei benei hun.Cyhoeddwyd ar gyfer Cymdeithas Parc CenedlaetholBannau Brycheiniog gan Walking Wales MagazineLimited, ISBN 190 230 535 4. Pris £12.00

All-Terrain pushchairwalks – Anglesey andLleyn Peninsula gan Zöe Sayer and Rebecca Terry– Adolygiad gan Delyth Evans

Mae’r casgliad hwn o deithiau igadeiriau gwthio ar bob math o dir arYnys Môn a Phen Llyn yn ychwanegiadardderchog at y gyfres. Mae gennych 30o deithiau i ddewis ohonynt yn amrywioo 1.25 o filltiroedd i 4.5 o filltiroedd gydagraddiannau amrywiol.

Mae’r cyfarwyddiadau yn hawdd eudilyn gyda map bach ar gyfer pob un o’rteithiau, a rhoddir cyfeirnod ArolwgOrdnans os hoffech gael mwy ofanylion neu newid y daitheich hun. Ar ddiwedd bobtaith mae awgrymiadaudefnyddiol am atyniadau yn yrardal sy’n addas i blant.

Rhoddir canllaw defnyddiol ibrynu cadeiriau gwthio ar gyferpob math o dir ar ddechrau’rllyfr ynghyd ag awgrymiadaudefnyddiol eraill ynglyn â sut iwneud eich diwrnod allan gydaphlentyn bach mor hawdd âphosibl. Mae system o symbolauglyfar iawn ar gyfer bob tro i roigwybod i chi a yw’r daith yn un ygellir ei gwneud ar eich pen eichhun, pa mor anodd ydy hi, y math odir, a oes yno ardal chwarae, toiledau,bwrdd picnic, tafarn, fan hufen iâ ar yllwybr ac ati. Mae hyn i gyd yn eigwneud yn haws i chi ddewis achynllunio eich taith gyda’r plant.

Mae rhai o’r teithiau byrrach yn addasac yn hwyl i blant bach ac i fabanodhefyd. Gallai’r llyfr fod wedi cynnwysrhywfaint o ganllawiau ynglyn â hynhefyd. Efallai y bydd cyfres arall o lyfrau ardeithiau i blant sydd wedi dechrau cerddedpan fo plant yr awdur yn dechrau sgrechianam gael mynd allan o’r gadair wthio!

Ar y cyfan mae hwn yn ganllaw sydd wediei ysgrifennu’n dda. Llyfr cyfeirio hanfodolar gyfer eich silff lyfrau.Sigma Press. ISBN: 185 058 840 6. Pris: £7.95

King Arthur’sCamlan: A quest forTruthgan Laurence Main

Dyma hanner canfed llyfr Laurence Mainac ynddo mae’n rhoi gwybodaeth amfrwydr olaf y Brenin Arthur, yn yr hyn addisgrifiwyd fel ‘cyfuniad unigryw o ffaithhanesyddol gyda thro gweledigaethol”.Mae’r llyfr 84 o dudalennau hwn yn sicr ofod yn boblogaidd gyda ffans y Brenin Arthura rhai sy’n hoff o hanes fel ei gilydd.Meirion Publications. ISBN: 187 197 411 9. Pris: £4.95

LLYFRAU >>> MYNEDIAD >>>

Defnyddwyr cadeiriau olwyn gogleddCymru yn anelu at y Rhaeadr FawrYSGRIFENNA VAL WALKER JONES o Ardal Gogledd Cymru:“Ar ddydd Sadwrn, 10 Mehefin 2006 trefnwyd digwyddiad ihelpu defnyddwyr cadeiriau olwyn i fwynhau golygfeyddgwych y Rhaeadr Fawr, Abergwyngregyn ym MharcCenedlaethol Eryri gan Gyngor Cefn Gwlad Cymru a PharcCenedlaethol Eryri.

Ymunais ag 14 o ddefnyddwyr cadeiriau olwyn, euteuluoedd, ffrindiau, cynrychiolwyr o’r YmddiriedolaethGenedlaethol, CCGC (CCW), archeolegydd a wardeniaideraill y Parc wrth y fynedfa i’r warchodfa ynAbergwyngregyn. Arweiniodd Warden y Parc, Alan Pritchard,ni ar hyd y llwybr yng Ngwarchodfa Natur GenedlaetholCoedydd Aber at y Rhaeadr ac yn ôl. Roedd y tywydd ynberffaith, gyda haul a golygfeydd hyfryd o’n cwmpas. Roeddllawer o sgwrsio a chwerthin. Aeth rhai o’r batrïau ar y bygisyn isel iawn wrth i’r defnyddwyr fynd dros dir garw a serth.Ond roedd help wrth law. Yn awr fel arfer fyddai cerddwyrddim yn meddwl fod y llwybr hwn yn serth, ond roedd ydaith hon wedi rhoi golwg newydd iawn ar y problemau ymae defnyddwyr cadeiriau olwyn yn eu hwynebu. Roedd ungiât mochyn ar hyd y trac yn achosi problem. Pan osodwydhon i ddechrau yr oedd y giât yn ddigon mawr. Bellach mae

bygis yn fwy. Ondaddawoddwardeniaid y Parc ybyddai’r giât yncael ei gwneud ynfwy fel y gallai bygifynd drwyddi.Roedd y llawenydda brofodd pawb pangyrhaeddwyd yrhaeadr ynaruthrol. Diwrnodgwych!

Cyflwyno’r Ddeddf Cefn Gwlada Hawliau TramwyMAE SWYDDFA ARCHWILIO Cymru yn cynnal gwerthusiadgwerth am arian o fynediad cyhoeddus i gefn gwlad. Cyhoeddir yrastudiaeth olaf yn niwedd Medi/dechrau Hydref. Cynrychiolwyd yCerddwyr ar y panel o arbenigwyr oedd yn bwydo i mewn i’rastudiaeth a bydd rhai o’r Cerddwyr wedi derbyn holiadur fel rhano’r ymchwil ar gyfer yr adroddiad. Bydd yr adroddiad yn edrych argyflwyno Deddf Cefn Gwlad a Hawliau Tramwy 2000 a ddaeth âthir mynediad i ni a llawer mwy. Bydd hefyd yn ystyried materionehangach yn ymwneud â mynediad sy’n gysylltiedig â phobl allwybrau. Edrychwn ymlaen at rai argymhellion defnyddiol.

Daeth ail astudiaeth a wnaed gan ymgynghorwyr Asken ganedrych ar werthuso’r modd y gweithredir Deddf Cefn Gwlad a HawliauTramwy 2000 Rhan 1 yng Nghymru, Mawrth 2006 i’r casgliad fod ycyfan wedi mynd yn dda a bod gweithredu’r ddeddf wedi bod ynllwyddiant. Eglurir hyn mewn un ar ddeg o argymhellion.

Mynediad ar ddull yr AlbanDENGYS ARWYDDION CYNNAR mewn ymatebion oddiwrth wirfoddolwyr mynediad y Cerddwyr fod angen ifynediad y Ddeddf CGHT gael ei hyrwyddo ond yn y tymorhir y mae cefnogaeth i ddeddfwriaeth mynediad tebyg i’rhyn sy’n digwydd yn yr Alban. Mae angen rhoi ystyriaethfanwl i’r holl gwestiynau allweddol ynghylch lle, beth, sut,pa bryd, pam a phwy. Yn y cyfamser os mai dyma eichdiddordeb gallech ymweld â www.canoewales.com lle maedeiseb sy’n galw am fynediad i lannau afonydd yn agored idderbyn llofnodion. Byddai mynediad ar hyd glannauafonydd, pe bai’n cael ei sicrhau, yn dod â budd i gerddwyrond mae’r canw-wyr yn fwy awyddus i symud tuag at atebmwy cynhwysfawr sy’n debyg i’r hyn sy’n digwydd yn yrAlban. Rhowch wybod i ni beth yw eich barn.

Defnyddwyr cadeiriau olwyn affrindiau yn mwynhau’r Rhaeadr Fawr.

Val Walker Jones

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