New lambs and blackthorn in flower along the Ridgeway

New lambs in the combe (valley) dropping down into Bishopstone

A cloud of blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) in full bloom

Best
Anne
walkthelandscape.co.uk

A proposal to shake up the English Rights of Way system

In February of this year, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) proposed a 'radical shake-up' of the access and public rights of way system.  In their report 'The Right Way Forward', they recommend a rationalisation and ‘common sense’ approach to remove the bureaucracy and anomalies in the current regulations and administration of the system. 

Their proposals have infuriated organisations like The Ramblers and The Open Spaces Society who see this as the breaking of an agreement made two years ago within a working group set up to look at the future of rights of way.

Amongst the proposals are a reduction in the protection for existing Rights-of-Way making it easier for a path to be re-routed or closed.   They are also calling for the greater use of the 'Permissive' status (which is a transitory arrangement) for paths rather than the more formal definition of a footpath as a legally enforceable public highway.  Furthermore, they would like to bring forward the full implementation of the provision in the 2000 CROW Act, for claiming any historic pathway not previously recorded, which currently has a 2026 cut-off point. 

Another recommendation is that the responsibility for an individual's safety would become that of the individual who, if found not to be complying with the Countryside Code, would not be able to seek legal redress.

The proposals in the CLA's report are also particularly worrying when taken in the context of other Government initiatives such as those aimed at reducing environmental legislation, the Macdonald review of farming legislation and ongoing changes in planning regulations.

For more information you can download the full report from: http://www.cla.org.uk/Policy_Work/Policy_Reports/Access_to_the_Countryside/Rights_of_Way/1009310.htm/

Best

Anne

walkthelandscape.co.uk

Snowdrops and Aconites, a sign of spring

Happy walking
Anne
walkthelandscape.co.uk

The Ridgeway National Trail - east from Streatley

The Ridgeway is a National Walking Trail which follows the route of what is probably the oldest road in England.  Dating from Prehistoric times it runs for 87 miles (140 km) along chalk downs in central southern England, between  Ivinghoe Beacon, near Tring, Hertfordshire to Overton Hill, near Marlborough, Wiltshire. 

These photos, taken in February, show the eastern half of the route from Streatley in the Thames valley to the eastern end at Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire.

You can join us to walk this trail from 22nd April to 1st May, 2012. Check out this link to the Ridgeway Tour to find out more .  

 Public house at Goring on Thames

 Walkers on the Thames Path

 The view west to Abingdon Power Station

 A well signed trail

 Lunch

 Snowdrops in St Botolph's churchyard, Swincombe

Oaks in the grounds around Chequers, the Prime Minister's country residence 

Beechwoods on the Chilterns 

Beacon Hill from Combe Hill, above Wendover 

Birches by the trail when dropping down to Wendover 

Ivinghoe Beacon at the eastern end of the Ridgeway 

The trig point at Ivinghoe Beacon, the end of the Ridgeway

You can join us to walk this trail from 22nd April to 1st May, 2012. Check out this link to the Ridgeway Tour to find out more .  

Best

Anne

walkthelandscape.co.uk

Cross Cotswold Pathway

Cross Cotswold Pathway - An 86 mile walking trail, from east to west across the Cotswolds, a set on Flickr.

An 86 mile walking trail, from east to west across the Cotswolds.
Less strenous than the Cotswold Way with beautiful and more varied landscapes.

Trail Dames Summit 2012

Are you a hiking woman living in the United States?
If you are, then how about joining a lively group of 'curvy' women to celebrate hiking, backpacking and the love of the outdoors.
The 2nd Annual Trail Dames Summit will be held from 8-10 June, 2012 at Durango, Colorado.
Check out Trail Dames Summit 2012 to find out more.

Best
Anne
walkthelandscape.co.uk

Over the Wold: Naunton to Northleach