Results of Big Pathwatch reveal almost 3,400 problems on paths in the North West

Results of Big Pathwatch reveal almost 3,400 problems on paths in the North West

The Ramblers has released the results of the Big Pathwatch, the nation’s biggest ever footpath survey, which revealed more than 3,448 problems on paths in the North West.

November was identified to be the worst month for paths, and so the Ramblers is calling for everyone in the North West to take responsibility for their local paths by walking them and reporting any problems they find using the free Pathwatch app.

The survey showed that 61% of paths were well-kept and signposted, above the national average of 56%. However, nine percent of paths were poorly kept and difficult or impossible to use.

Citizen surveyors in the North West walked 45% of all paths in the region. They recorded 7,000 features in the region. 49% of all features reported were positive with the most reported being helpful and informative signs and views of open country, hills and mountains.

However, 51% were negative, with surveyors noticing missing signs, paths blocked by undergrowth and broken or unsafe stiles.

The North West region contains the Lake District National Park which, of all the National Parks in England and Wales, had the smallest proportion (2.3%) of paths surveyed as poorly kept and difficult or impossible to use.

The Ramblers’ director of advocacy and engagement, Nicky Philpott said: “Walking is great for our health and mental well-being. It’s a cheap form of transport and exercise, and a well maintained path network could provide the solution to some of the region’s biggest challenges.

“We wanted to gather a picture of the state of the path network so we could understand the full extent of the problems, and start to come up with the long term solutions to help protect this key community asset. We’d like to thank everyone who stepped out in the North West and walked their paths as part of the Big Pathwatch, helping us to gather this crucial information.”

The results of the survey show that while many paths in the North West are well-kept, a significant number are in serious need of improvement with many of these completely blocked or very difficult to use, resulting in people having to abandon their journey and turn back.

Nicky added: “Although local councils are responsible for maintaining our paths, we’re acutely aware that rights of way are competing against other services for a share of increasingly squeezed budgets.

“The Ramblers, as guardians of the footpath network, should be at the forefront of solving path problems, working with local authorities in the North West to maintain the network. By using insight, such as findings from the Big Pathwatch, and deploying our volunteer path maintenance teams, we know we can be instrumental in helping maintain the network, which in turn will save money for public health.”

Walking is regularly enjoyed by 9 million people in England and has huge benefits:

• Walking helps keep people fit and healthy, tackling the national obesity crisis and improving general health.
• Walking has proven mental health benefits.
• Walking short distances instead of using cars is good for the environment, cutting carbon emissions.
• Walkers support rural economies, particularly in tourism with walkers in England spending over £6 billion a year supporting nearly a quarter of a million full time jobs.

Any reduction in walking caused by inconvenient or blocked footpaths will have a negative impact on the North West’s health, environment and the economy. Well maintained, easy to use paths will boost efforts in these areas, improving the region’s health, wealth and wellbeing.

Nicky continued: “It shouldn’t just be up to local authorities to ensure the upkeep of our paths. We all have a part to play in looking after them, which is why we want everyone to take responsibility for their paths. It can be as simple as regularly using your local paths. Get out and walk them. If you see a problem, use the Pathwatch app to report it and we’ll pass the information on to the local authority. Problems reported early that would be quick and cheap to fix can become difficult and costly over time.

“So when you’re out walking, pick up rubbish, carry a pair of secateurs and snip away overhanging vegetation. Or join one of our path maintenance teams and help keep paths clear.”

To get involved in protecting paths in the North West, visit www.ramblers.org.uk/pathwatch