A fifth of would-be MPs have signed up to the Ramblers’ walking manifesto which is designed to remove the many obstacles which can stop people enjoying walking routes across the country.

The Breaking Down the Barriers manifesto was launched four weeks ago and calls on those in power to pledge their support to challenging the political, legal, financial and cultural obstructions which walking fans face.

Tom Franklin, Ramblers chief executive, will tell delegates at the group’s anniversary conference this weekend that the backing of potential MPs is a crucial step towards its goal.

“These pledges of political support will help us to ensure that everyone, whether they are in the city or the countryside, can get out and get walking. After the election, we’ll be calling in this support and expecting to see real action,” he will state.

Politicians recently took steps to safeguard the UK’s walking routes after the government gave Natural England’s Coastal Access Scheme the green light.