Archive for April, 2010

Walkers asked not to damage Hadrian’s Wall

Filed under Walking News by Walking Stuff on 16-04-2010

National Trails is urging walkers to respect Hardian’s Wall and help take care of the World Heritage Site, it has been reported.

The organisation, which manages the walking route, is concerned that some of those enjoying the area are climbing on the wall and breaking pieces off to take home as souvenirs, the BBC reports.

It stated that the majority of walking fans are respectful and treated the wall well, however, a minority are damaging the site.

David McGlade, Hadrian’s Wall Path national trail manager, told the news provider that visitors should remember that the area is one of significant importance and should be treated as such.

"Unfortunately there are still people who want to walk on top of the wall. They’re probably thinking in their own mind that they are walking in the steps of the Romans, but we would prefer they didn’t do that," he added.

Hadrian’s Wall has a number of walking routes to enjoy, with circular and short trails for those whose endurance is not as high as others.

Brecon Beacons ‘one of the best ridge walks in the UK’

Filed under Walking News by Walking Stuff on 15-04-2010

Walking enthusiasts will find the Brecon Beacons one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, areas of the country to enjoy a walk, it has been claimed.

Simon Rose, a warden in the region, told the Daily Telegraph that walking routes in the Brecon Beacons offer spectacular views and terrain which will test one’s strength and endurance.

"This challenging walk is one of the best ridge walks in the UK … the view from the ridge as you walk along the side of the valley is inspiring. On your right you can see the spectacular glacial valley and on the left is a view towards Port Talbot," he stated.

Mr Rose went on to add that those enjoying walks in the Brecon Beacons will see wonderful plants and animals, with the area a haven for birds such as kestrels, peregrines and ravens.

According to Walking Britain, the Brecon Beacons is home to some of the most spectacular upland formations to be found anywhere in the UK.

Loose boulder worry on Lake District climbing route

Filed under Walking News by Walking Stuff on 14-04-2010

Those planning to explore the climbing and walking routes of the Lake District have been warned that there is a large and potentially dangerous boulder loose on the Centipede climb on Raven Crag in Langdale.

The British Mountaineering Council has received a report from one of its members highlighting concerns that the rock could prove a danger to the public should it become dislodged.

According to the eyewitness, the boulder is about the same size as a television and that it should be removed to guarantee public safety.

“It’s about the size of a TV and is a natural position to pull up on two handed then stand on. When it does come away it may well take out the belayer and anyone at the foot of the grag,” the report added.

There are many other walks in the Lake District which people can take advantage of, including Fellbarrow and Low Fell, Ambleside to Skelwith Bridge and Latrigg.

High Wycombe mayor to launch walking campaign

Filed under Walking News by Walking Stuff on 13-04-2010

The mayor of High Wycombe will launch a campaign this weekend aimed at getting local people to enjoy the walking routes in the area.

Councillor Julie Pritchard will pass through a giant banner in Eden on Saturday (April 17th) *date TBC* to mark the start of the Walk Wycombe initiative, the Bucks Free Press reports, with notice boards erected across the town highlighting three new walking routes.

These include Town Walk, Heritage Walk and Rye Walk.

Jim Stevens, head of Transport for Buckinghamshire, which created the campaign along with Wycombe District Council, NHS Buckinghamshire, Bucks Sport and High Wycombe Town Centre Partnership, said the progress made so far is encouraging.

“This is a fantastic achievement by all the teams involved,” he told the newspaper.

Moira Halstead, communications manager at Walking for Health, recently stated that lacing up one’s walking boots and heading outside is beneficial for both physical and mental health and is also a great way for people to bond.

Anyone ‘can enjoy walking’

Filed under Walking News by Walking Stuff on 12-04-2010

The beauty of walking in the Peak District and other areas of the country is that everyone can find something about it to enjoy, it has been claimed.

According to Moira Halstead, communications manager at Walking for Health, it is a fun and convenient way to exercise and enjoy the countryside, as well as offering a break from city life.

"Anyone can do it and the people that are sedentary are often the people that benefit the most from walking. It’s the fact that it’s on your doorstep, it’s free of charge [and] you can do it all year round," she said.

There are a few pieces of equipment one will need while enjoying Peak District walks, Ms Halstead added, which include comfortable walking boots, a raincoat and a bottle of water.

A British Heart Foundation fact sheet suggests that achieving the recommended levels of moderate intensity physical activity can reduce premature mortality by between 20 to 30 per cent.

Enjoy the magic of the Peak District

Filed under Feature Walks by Walking Stuff on 09-04-2010

With its vast expanses of green fields, majestic mountains and delightful quaint villages, the Peak District has always been a favourite of walking fans and hill climbers.

The Peak District National Park, established in 1951, was Britain’s first national park, giving it an extra special place in the nation’s heart.

Luscious landscapes

Nestled on the border between the northern highlands of Britain and the southern lowland counties, the Peak District boasts some of the most luscious green landscapes to be found anywhere in the country.

With these huge green spaces as far as the eye can see, walking in the Peak District is a particularly popular pastime for many people young and old.

The beauty of the Peak District is that it has walking routes to cater to everybody’s tastes and abilities.

A favourite Peak District walk is through Deepdale.

One of the treasures of the Peak District, it takes visitors through some wonderful limestone dales and provides a real escape from the outside world.

Another must see are the monuments of Baslow Edge and Gardoms Edge, which offer some of the most stunning views of the surrounding area, making it a great sight for walkers, photographers and artists alike.

Natural wonders

Along with walking boots and other gear, visitors must bring a camera with them to capture images of the jaw-dropping scenery they will encounter.

The Dark Peak is a barren and rugged landscape where the appearance changes dramatically with the weather and light conditions and offers powerful beauty.

Within the national park walkers will find The Roaches, the v-shaped gritstone protrusions which jut out of the landscape and add to the area’s dramatic splendour.

The hills and dales are only two of the attractions of the Peak District.

What it has over many other popular walking destinations is the stunning examples of natural beauty which lie underground.

A network of caves and caverns run below its luscious green expanses, with Speedwell Cavern offering a truly amazing experience.

Visitors travel on a boat through the various tunnels of this former lead mine where they will find some stunning sights.

Another feather in the Peak District’s cap is Blue John Cavern.

Blue John Stone is only found amongst the rocks of Treak Cliff Hill in Castleton.

This highly-prized stone is simply wonderful to behold, making this a popular site with walking fans all year round.

Back at sea level, the Heights of Abraham are also a must see, offering wonderful views and great sites to enjoy a picnic.

Vibrant villages

Blue John Cavern is located in the village of Castleton and walking enthusiasts must take the opportunity to explore this beautiful corner of the Peak District.

On three sides this wonderful little village is surrounded by steep hills, with the Mam Tor the most famous of these.

While the natural splendour is a good enough reason to visit, there are various other attractions which people must see.

Ruins of an ancient hilltop fortress and the rebuilt castle originally erected by William Peverill are just two of the famous sites which should be included in any itinerary.

Nestled in a valley bordered by the River Derwent is the stone-built village of Cromford.

Steeped in industrial history, the village is most famous for its association with Sir Richard Arkwright, a leading entrepreneur of the Industrial Revolution.

Particular sites of interest include the canal system, the Cromford and High Peak Railway and Derwent Valley Heritage Trail.

The picturesque market town of Ashbourne is also worth seeing, with lovely cottages, historic buildings and wonderful surrounding countryside making it a pleasant place to spend some time.

Food and drink

While exploring the villages and walking routes in the Peak District, visitors will more than likely build up an appetite, but luckily, the Peak District is rich in the number of pubs and restaurants offering the finest quality food.

The Ladybower Inn in Bamford is one of the most famous pubs.

With a menu boasting warm crab, scallion and goats cheese tart, fresh battered haddock and creamy wild mushroom and rabbit pies, this really is a popular haunt with Peak District walking enthusiasts.

Those enjoying a walk in Ashbourne should drop in to the Dog and Partridge.

Its comfortable surroundings are a great place to enjoy a Greek salad, a selection of Italian meats or a prawn and melon salad.

Walkers enjoying some time in Birch Vale on the High Peak can settle down in the ambient surroundings of the Sycamore Inn and sample delights such as wild mushroom risotto, belly pork and black pudding salad and venison sausages.

Rest and relaxation

With many hotels, guest houses and camp sites, there is no shortage of places to stay.

The best way to explore the terrain is on foot, so many visitors pitch up tents at the camp sites and spend the night with nature.

While this option may be the most exciting, visitors must ensure they have brought all the correct gear with them so they can enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep before lacing up their walking boots and heading out into the wilderness once again.