whitehorsewalks.com

Stewardship, trail strategies, maintenance, building, interpretation

Contents, this page

The material on this page is about other places, but there are things to be learned from reading what these others are doing.

Stewardship and community leadership in walking

Local examples

Canada

USA

UK

Trail strategies

Canada

USA

Others

Bigger examples

American Trails

The world's largest online trails resource

Carolina Thread Trail

Walkers are welcome

The Walkers are Welcome scheme is different from most top-down accreditation schemes, in that it has emerged from, and is being promoted by, communities themselves. The idea, which was first discussed in 2006, became a reality when the Pennine town of Hebden Bridge became the first Walkers are Welcome town in Spring 2007, closely followed by Moffat in Scotland's Dumfries and Galloway region and by the north Wales community of Prestatyn & Meliden. Many other communities now either have Walkers are Welcome status or are actively working to meet the criteria.

These towns together have constituted themselves as the Walkers are Welcome Towns Network. It is this body (through its committee and its annual conference) which develops and controls the Walkers are Welcome scheme and oversees use of the logo. In other words, the Walkers are Welcome idea and brand is collectively managed by the communities themselves who are participating – real grassroots democracy in action.

Footpath adoption

One of the many function of Pickering Walkers are Welcome is to ensure that all rights of way (ROW) in the parish of Pickering are kept open and in good condition for the enjoyment of both local residents and visitors. To achieve this we work with the local Countryside Ranger for North Yorkshire County Council.

As there are nearly 100 miles of ROW in this parish, we are inviting local residents to help us by adopting one or two. All you have to do is to walk your path at least four times a year, and let us know of any problems you encounter, such as obstructions, overgrowth or litter. Many of you may already regularly walk some. Perhaps you walk your dog every day and can adopt a path on your regular walk? Just let us know which you want to adopt by completing the 'contact us' form. Together we can keep all these paths open for everyone to enjoy.

Reporting a ROW problem:

If you are out walking and find a problem on any right of way (ROW), whether it is in the parish of Pickering or not, then please let us know by completing the 'contact u's form. You can also report the problem yourself. To do this it will depend on whether the ROW is in the North York Moors National Park or not.

To report a problem outside the National Park, you should contact the Countryside Rangers of North Yorkshire County Council, by phoning 0845 0349599.

To report problems within the National Park, you should contact the Rights of Way Officer by phoning 01439 770657; or completing the ROW feedback form which can be found on their website at www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/rights-of-way-feedback-form.

Whether you report the problem to us, North Yorkshire County Council or the National Park, you will need to give your name and contact details, grid reference and description of the location, the date you discovered it, and the type of problem. A photograph is also helpful, if you have one.

If you want to get involved in a practical way, there are lots of opportunities to volunteer both with North Yorkshire County Council (phone 01609 532435) and the National Park (phone 01739 770657).

- http://www.pickeringwaw.btck.co.uk/

Toronto's Natural Environment Trails Program and trail strategy

The natural environment trails system in Toronto is at once an economic driver, a means to protecting the ravine ecosystem and a keystone of the City's passive recreational system. It is one of Toronto's most effective and efficient recreation facilities. For a very low "cost per user" rate, the system requires comparatively little to plan, build and manage, and yet returns extremely high long-term recreational, environmental and educational value. Investing in and maintaining the natural environment trails will not only enhance recreation, but will also provide critical nature experiences for citizens of all ages over the coming years.

Cam Honan's The Hiking Life is a compilation of tips and advice on trip planning, lightweight backpacking techniques and improving your wilderness skill set. It contains photos and trekking notes from more than 120 of the world's great hikes. His hopes for the website are twofold. One, that it can act as a quick reference tool for novices and experienced hikers alike, and two; that by browsing through some of the photo galleries and hike reports, at least a few people out there may be encouraged to put on a pair of shoes, grab a pack and go for a walk. Alone or with a group is a walker's quandary.