Footpath Report
Ross Walkers are Welcome (WaW) is a voluntary group and part of the National WaW network. They seek to promote walking for associated social health and economic benefits it brings to the area.
They have secured funding from DEFRA via AONB to improve access to local footpaths by replacing stiles with metal gates on some key routes.
They have a list of 36 stiles for possible replacement, these are mainly on the Wye Valley walk and Herefordshire trail. 40 gates have been purchased as the funding has to be used by the end of March.
The route that effects BA is the Herefordshire trail.
The 5 proposed sites of stiles for replacement by gates are shown on the attached plan as orange dots. I have suggested to WaW that they may consider another gate where I have marked on the plan attached as “Extra Gate” arrowed.
The landowners on either side of the stiles need to be identified and their agreement obtained, or work with WaW to jointly aproach the landowner.
The landowners will be responsible for the maintenance of the gates as they are responsible for the stiles on their land. Where the gates are between different owner fields, both owners agreement is required.
Contractors for the installation of the gates is being considered, including Envirobility, Ramblers, AONB Volunteers, lengthsmen and any local volunteers.
There may be more funding in 2024/5