Welsh Rambler 65 - English

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Welsh THE CHARITY WORKING FOR WALKERS

ISSUE 65

Use Your Paths – meeting the challenge W

The Use Your Paths challenge offers a way for all of Wales’ 33,211 km (20,756 miles) of paths to be walked over the coming year.

Anyone can take part by choosing a 1km square from the map on the Ramblers’ website, walking the paths in that square, telling the local authority of any path problems, and then entering the square on the interactive website to turn the square green. Or you can do all this by contacting Ramblers by phone or post. The squares are small enough (just 1km square) for people to

Arfyd Parry Jones

ales has the most wonderful, intricate network of public paths, offering a wonderful way to explore the countryside. This network offers opportunities for great pleasure, good health, relaxation and fun for all, and on our very doorstep. As well as these social and community benefits, the path network is the backbone for the £548 million generated for Wales by walkers each year. Realising all these benefits is the reason for launching the Use your Paths challenge.

Use your Paths launch at the Royal Welsh Show from left to right Ron Williams, Chair RA Wales, Carwyn Jones AM, Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside, Roger Thomas, Chief Executive CCW and Beverley Penney, Director Wales.

walk the paths in less than a day. People will need to borrow a map, get their walking shoes on and set off along the paths noting anything that needs fixing. Local Ramblers can provide information and support.

Ultimately, we’d like to check all the paths in Wales; that’s all the green dots and dashes on the OS Explorer maps (1:25.000) or the pink dots and dashes on the 1:50,000 maps.

The challenge applies to all public footpaths, bridleways, roads used as public paths, restricted byways, byways open to all traffic and other routes with public access.

www.useyourpaths.info

If walkers find additional problems for other users, like riders on bridleways, for example, it makes sense to let the local authority know of these too. Informing the local authority of any problems found on paths, (and the local RA contact) or offering them praise, is an important part of the task.

We already know that there are many

problems on Welsh paths and only 40% of them are easy to use (source: performance indicators supplied by the Welsh Local Government Data Unit).

We want to demonstrate that paths are being walked and let the local authority know of path problems and of good paths too. The challenge focuses on paths that are officially recorded on the definitive map. If paths are not recorded but appear on the ground, these are called lost ways (contact RA for further info).

This is a huge challenge, which we hope people will enjoy and use to get to know their paths better.

Inside this issue: Coastal Access – the plans unfold Photographic Competition in association with: PAGE

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AUTUMN 2006

Hello Again …

2006/7

We have lots of news for you in this issue.

The launch, at the Royal Welsh Show, of the Use Your Paths challenge, which encourages people to walk all of Wales’ 33,211 km (20,756 miles) of paths over the next year, went extremely well. Both Carwyn Jones AM and Roger Thomas, CEO of the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), came along and were really enthusiastic and supportive.

You may have seen the publicity around the launch of the Anglesey Coast Path in June. First Minister Rhodri Morgan announced that we would have a coast path round Wales but the press release notes said that open access on the coast was out because of objections from farmers. As you will see on page 4, we have since got that amended so that open access is still an option. Ramblers are aiming for access as promised in section 3 of the CROW Act i.e. access on foot to beaches, foreshore, cliffs, sea banks and estuaries (and adjacent land) – in line with the wishes of 94% of people surveyed.

Richard Granville’s contract finished in July and, before he sped off to the Shetland Islands on holiday, we had a meal to wish him well. Our very best wishes for the future Richard.

We are pleased that people enjoyed the last issue of Y Cerddwr/Welsh Rambler - thank you for the good and constructive feedback. We are always keen to see and publish your letters and emails. Thanks to all the volunteers who have helped Ramblers in many ways over the summer.

Beverley Director Wales

Malcolm Wilkinson “Top Volunteer”

Malcolm Wilkinson (right) and Chris Ruane MP

The Ramblers’ Association, 3 Coopers Yard, Curran Road, CARDIFF. CF10 5NB Tel: 029 2064 4308 • Fax: 029 2064 5187 Website: www.ramblers.org.uk email: cerddwyr@ramblers.org.uk

Funds for better access

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JOHN SANSOM

LIZ JONES

Malcolm is vice Chairman of Ramblers Wales and a tireless, innovative, thorough and charming member of the Vale of Clwyd group and North Wales Area. Malcolm was made a local hero for his voluntary work for the Ramblers, the Ffrith Residents Association, Ffrith Beach Action Group and Prestatyn and District Environment Association. Chris Ruane MP made a presentation to Malcolm paying tribute to his exceptional work for many worthwhile causes. The Experience Corp organised a Heroes Tea Party and added Malcolm to their roll of honour.

Congratulations to Malcolm.

The Ramblers Association is a registered charity (No. 1093577) and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (No. 4458492).

Registered Office: Camelford House, 87-89 Albert Embankment, London. SE1 7TW.

Obituaries John was a great walker and the creator of the Beacons Way the 90-mile long distance trail across the Brecon Beacon National Park. John was a founder member of BBNP Society and an important contributor to his local access forum. He was a naturalist, very knowledgeable and passionate about landscape history and secretary to the South Wales drystone wallers. He died in the Spring and will be deeply missed by many. We send our condolences to Ruth, his wife, a fellow enthusiast.

Enjoy walking! y y Penne Beverle

NOVEMBER 5th – Greater Gwent Area AGM 11th – Glamorgan Area AGM 13th – Carmarthenshire Area AGM 18th – Pembrokeshire Area AGM DECEMBER 26th-1st Jan – Festival of Winter Walks JANUARY 2007 13th – North Wales Area AGM 13th – Powys Area AGM MARCH 2007 10th-11th – Scottish Council 24th-25th – Welsh Council 2007, Barry, near Cardiff 31st-1st April – General Council, Reading

Liz was a terrific walker and great supporter and friend of the Cynon Valley Group and the Rambers in Wales together with her inseperable husband Syd - to whom we send our condolences on her sad death.

Ruane Wilks

ANDY HOLLAND

The Assembly has allocated £350,000 to National Park authorities to improve access for people with disabilities.

Read about a great day out our North Wales Wheelchair users had at Aber Falls – page 8.

On a sombre note we remember Andy Holland who passed away earlier this year. Andy was a committee member for Islwyn Ramblers who held several posts within the group from its inception.

Andy and his wife Liz, brought to the group a wide range of walks within our area and several more further afield. He was a keen walker who would often regale us with his experiences and escapades/exploits from the different countries where he served with the Air Force, some scary and some hilarious. He is fondly remembered by all.

MEMBERSHIP The membership figure in Wales at 1st September 2006 is 7,058, an annual increase of 0.5%.

Overall, GB-wide membership totals 137,915

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WORKING FOR WALKERS

PROMOTING WALKING >>>

Nina’s Path O n 25th June 2006 during Use Your Paths week Penarth Ramblers held a special walk to show everyone a footpath which Nina and Derek Smith committed 5 years of their life to protecting.

Penarth Group had been surveying footpaths in 1995 and found this missing link. Nina spoke with local people and found that many recalled using the path as school children – several helped in the campaign by providing user evidence. Following this up she secured the support of the Wenvoe Community Council, in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Nina, together with husband Derek succeeded in regaining the missing 190

Enjoying Nina’s path

metres of Wenvoe 23, but only after having to collect user and map evidence, appealing to the Welsh Office when the local authority did not take it forward and successfully presenting a case at local inquiry. Sadly Nina died last year and her walking friends were delighted to remember her by walking together the path she and Derek felt so deeply about.

Barbara Palmer, fellow Penarth group footpath enthusiast said, “Nina’s efforts in getting this missing 190 metres of path back on the map re-opened a delightful path through the woods that offers an important path to the people of Wenvoe and beyond”.

RAMBLERS OUT AND ABOUT Cerrig Camu / Stepping Stones UPDATE A big thank-you to all walkers, walk leaders and organisers of these walks – they would not happen without you.

The Cerrig Camu/ Stepping Stones project (CC/SS) is currently run in 19 groups across 15 Unitary Authorites in Wales. One of our targets that we are determined to hit is to have CC/ SS projects in all Unitary Authorities in Wales.

If your group has not got a CC/SS programme, or you would like to set-up a programme, with training and support from the Wales office, then please call Anwen on 029 2064 4308. Missing authorities are Monmouthshire, Newport, RCT, Caerphilly, Neath Port-Talbot, Swansea and Torfaen.

>>> STATISTICS >>> >>> this is what your claim forms tell us!

For the 12-month period up to March 2006 there were 236 walks with an estimated 3,338 walkers, including 603 new walkers.

National Eisteddfod of Wales, Swansea

Royal Welsh Show

Meic Rees (Llanelli Group) Wythnos bendigedig! A ’ rs wonderful week! A time to le b m kept Ra t the meet up with old friends a Visitors sy u b rs Alex Marshall (WCEC vice chair) voluntee ow h and make new ones, both S h ls RA Wales had a stand at the Royal We in and outside the Stondin.

Royal Welsh Show (RWS) At times we were kept quite busy, with between 24th and 27th July. This year we many people eager to join and others wanting were able to share a large open tent with other to know more about the organisation and its similar environmental organisations in a walks. Many people certainly made their great location – hopefully we will get a prime feelings known about various blocked paths spot next year too! around Wales!

On the Tuesday we launched the RA Use The Eisteddfod was blessed with fine Your Paths challenge. Carwyn Jones AM and weather, although not everyone was happy Minister for Rural Affairs, Countryside and with the surface of dusty chippings. Still, it Planning signed up for a square in his was no bother for ramblers, of course, with constituency. Members of CCW, Assembly their sturdy footwear!

Members, civil servants, councillors and the I have met up with the new members general public also signed up. The Minister revealed at the launch that he was amending signed up on the Maes, now part of their the Welsh Assembly Government’s policy on respective groups, and the envy of all with the Coastal Access. In his statement he said new pedometers that they acquired on “There will be further consideration given to enrolment!

It was a pleasure to be part of the the issue of a statutory right of access to coastal areas”. RA Wales welcomed this clear Ramblers’ team at the Eisteddfod. Yet again it proved a very worthwhile exercise and a policy shift from that made six weeks earlier.

I would like to thank splendid promotional platform for the RA Wales staff who the organisation. set-up and manned the stand and also the volunteers who gave up their time to assist.

We also had displays Parker at the Denbigh and Nick and Alex Flint Show in North Marshall Wales and the Vale of working hard Glamorgan Show in at the Eisteddfod South Wales.

WELSH COUNCIL 2007 The next Welsh Council will be held between 24-25 March 2007 at the Mount Sorrel Hotel in Barry, nr Cardiff. After last year’s successful event in Bangor we are hoping that more of you will be able to attend and contribute towards Welsh Ramblers’ activities.

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COASTAL ACCESS >>>

Walking the coast in Wales – the unfolding plans IN A COCKLESHELL the story is this - the Assembly has announced a programme to provide local networks of paths around coastal communities, better access for cyclists, horse-riders and people with disabilities. At the top of this list will be an all-Wales coastal path and, crucially, statutory access is still under consideration. Ramblers say that it is essential to have adequate new money, political will and a clear vision indicating the high quality product needed. If all this is forthcoming, the proposals will be really welcome with wonderful prospects for delivering the potential health, community and economic benefits.

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he longer story is that, in campaigning for the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW), the Ramblers argued for open access to coastal areas too. We secured clause 3 in the Act, which empowers the National Assembly for Wales to amend the definition of open country contained in the CROW Act to include coastal land (defined as the foreshore and land adjacent to the foreshore, particularly any cliff, barrier, dune, beach or flat). Ramblers have been campaigning for this, together with provision for access along the cliff top, all set within a wide band of access land. We are also seeking agrienvironment measures to improve both the quality of the access and its biodiversity value.

We think Wales should aim for the best coastal access in the world, at least as good as the excellent arrangements in Scotland, Scandinavia, France, Denmark and Portugal.

Ramblers lobbied Welsh Labour for a promise to be included in the 2003 manifesto that said, “We will further extend open access to coastal areas…” We were also able to secure a strong commitment in the Assembly’s strategic plan Wales: A Better Country promising to “further extend open access to coastal areas after the initial access to open country is established”, with likely implementation from 2008/9.

In September 2005 the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) began to prepare options for the Assembly on the way forward.

This involved consultation with the National Access Forum for Wales and invited stakeholders in three exploratory coastal areas. Unfortunately, Ramblers’ volunteers felt that this process was very focussed on the creation of a coastal path and didn’t adequately consider open coastal access. A paper to CCW’s Board in February 2006 contained two path options and Ramblers PAGE

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pulled out the stops to make a case for a third open access option. Ramblers met Environment Minister Carwyn Jones AM in April 2006.

In May 2006 our views were bolstered when an opinion poll by ICM showed that 94% of people across Wales and England said that they wanted a legal right of access to coastal areas including beaches, cliffs and foreshore (and, we think, adjacent land).

Wales has secure public access to just 60% of its coast; the remainder has only limited and often inadequate provision (CCW Feb 2006). Securing the remainder and developing the quality of the coast path is where the gains will be made. We thought it likely that the Minister would want to put some options out to full public consultation.

Then, on 9 June 2006, First Minister Rhodri Morgan launched coastal access, whilst opening the Anglesey coastal path. We saw this path announcement as a step forward, but not enough.

The key objectives of the First Minister’s coastal access programme are to:

i. Improve access to the coast for local communities and visitors through local path improvements, including new circular routes at the coast; ii. Secure improved opportunities for wheelchair and pram access to the coastal environment for the benefit of the disabled and families with young children; iii. Deliver new opportunities for cyclists and horse riders to enjoy the Welsh coast; iv. Deliver enhanced public access by maximising existing path infrastructure and improving links to areas of coastal land to which the public have rights of access (under the CROW Act and to National Trust and publicly

ANGLESEY COAST PATH THIS HAS DEVELOPED phenomenally since the Ynys Môn Ramblers began to walk, research and promote the idea more than twenty years ago. Over the last 5 years with the benefit of EU funding the path and its promotion have improved tremendously, much credit should go to those involved, but more needs to be done as 28 of its 125 miles are still on tarmac and 37 miles remain permissive.

Local Ramblers are now asking for improvements on the National Trust Estate at Plas Newydd, Baron Hill and Bodorgan estate. Rosie Frankland, Anglesey Coastal Path Officer, says “Work between Ynys Môn Ramblers and the Coastal Path Team has been really positive especially on the practical side, in planning and undertaking actual improvements. Local members have also aided in evidence gathering at an important public enquiry to establish a brand new section of path at Traeth Bychan”.

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WORKING FOR WALKERS

© Visit Wales

Our coastal access vision We are seeking a legal right to walk in coastal areas, allowing continuous, permanent, wide, erosion-proofed access around the coast of Wales. It should include public access on foot to beaches, cliffs, foreshore and adjacent land and safeguards to protect wildlife, habitats and property. We would also like to see the introduction of agri-environment measures to develop the quality of coastal access and biodiversity value.

owned land at the coast) v. In the longer term deliver a good quality all Wales coastal path, connecting up existing coastal trails such as the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. [This will be permanent and erosion proofed. Source WAG meeting 29 June 2006] We were alarmed that the press release (WAG 09.06.06) said in the notes “Farming interests in Wales had opposed a general legal right for the public to access all land at the coast and the Assembly Government is not proposing this as part of this programme”.

Ramblers expressed their concern to the Assembly and received a response from officials and Carwyn Jones AM (on 25th July) who clarified their position by saying that “There will be further consideration given to the issue of a statutory right of access to coastal areas”.

We are much encouraged by this statement, as now all of the options for gaining coastal access are again available. A big thank you to everyone who helped us get to this position.

Elsewhere Ramblers in Scotland already enjoy full open access, with a well-established legal right to walk along their entire coastline. In England the picture is less rosy but they are following the same improvement programme as here in Wales. An announcement on the future direction of coastal access is still awaited, but looks set to be based upon public consultation (which we have not had in Wales) around the statutory open access option.

Children at the National Eisteddfod colouring pictures to tell us what they enjoy doing on the coast.

PLAYING YOUR PART IF THE IDEA of improved coastal access excites you, you may like to play your part locally for the Ramblers. We think there will be a focussed effort on coastal access. Over the coming months we think you could: let us know that you would like to help and details of a conference will be sent to you; volunteer for a local partnership to plan new coastal access with the aim of securing high quality access; make the case locally for open access to include beaches, foreshore (the area between mean low and mean high tides) cliffs and any adjacent land; develop Ramblers ideas for circular routes on coast paths; make sure any problems on the coastal and near-coast paths are reported to the local authority; develop your own ideas for new paths needed for the All Wales coastal route for access to the coast, for getting to CROW access land and for circular paths; develop your own ideas for circular routes around coastal communities and consider how the needs of other users can be met like wheelchair users, cyclists, horseriders. This may well mean surveying routes and perhaps contacting local representatives for these organisations; if you do survey routes – please click and complete the “use your paths” grid squares www.useyourpaths.info; identify coastal communities where good work has already gone on; press your local authority to bid early for European funds for the project.

The Assembly has promised a focussed effort on the coast. This is where the action will be, so our request is that volunteers help with this work. We will give as much support as we can but we will need to know what you are doing, so please get in touch. We would like to have a volunteer and, ideally a small team, for each of the sixteen coastal authorities.

This coming year will be a planning year so getting involved early with the local partnership will give you the greatest opportunity to influence.

For coastal access to work well it is vital that the Assembly offers a strategic vision and thorough guidance to local authorities and interested bodies. This plan should be flexible and capable of taking adjustment if it is not delivering. We would like coastal access to be in place to promote exercise participation and tourism in time for the London Olympics in 2012.

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COUNTRYSIDE >>>

Policy Developments – Environment Strategy

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n May the Welsh Assembly Government launched its new Environment Strategy.

This is really significant as it officially recognises the pressures placed on the environment by built developments, the consumption of resources and changing climate. It states how the Assembly aims to protect and enhance the environment in its own right, and also that the strategy has to be

taken into account in any planning process. It is therefore a useful reference to have in mind if you are looking at planning applications, to remind planners of their obligation to protect the environment.

The published strategy has 5 themes, which are then channelled into 62 (!) action points: Addressing Climate Change,

Sustainable use of resources, Distinctive bio-diversity, landscapes and seascape, Environmental hazards and Our local environment. This is a key section for us. It commits to improving peoples’ access to green space and the countryside (including the coast) to increase the use of the ‘natural environment for physical activity and enjoyment’. Ease of use of rights of way is reinforced as a key indicator. Importantly, this is complemented by the commitment to improve walk-ability in urban areas and encouraging walking for short journeys.

Bulldozing through energy developments? he papers were buzzing earlier this summer with talk of energy as the UK government published its Energy Review and the Welsh Affairs Committee published its report on Energy in Wales. The biggest splash in the press concerned nuclear power, but perhaps a more insidious threat was the declaration that the planning process should be made easier for energy generators and transmission companies.

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Considering RA Wales’ concerns that our upland areas need more protection from large scale wind turbine developments, this is a worrying issue. The ‘Statement of Need’ for renewables in the UK Energy review suggests that local issues may have to be sacrificed in the interest of national benefits. It states further that the benefits to society and the

wider economy as a whole are significant and should be given “considerable weight when considering renewable proposals”. If ‘considerable weight’ means de-prioritising the protection of our countryside then we have a big problem here.

In Wales, we would argue that our landscapes are a national resource that need full protection, even in the context of climate change. Over 20% of those landscapes may now be designated open country, but this will sacrificed in both area and quality if the bulldozers move in. Remember, though, that the Assembly’s own Environment Strategy commits to maintaining our landscape character. We also see in the Welsh Affairs Committee report the closing comment; “Wind Energy is beneficial to Wales, but that

benefit should not be over-stated. It is unfair to dismiss all opposition to wind energy as nimbyism, without understanding the valid concerns that Wales is being overly populated by wind farms…”.

So, if the UK government is to remove planning barriers for wind (and other) energy developers – and accelerate access to the national grid through joined up applications between generators and distributors – we need to be on our guard. Speeding up the planning process will inevitably reduce the opportunity to hear the legitimate local view.

Again the Welsh Affairs Committee recognises that the planning context ‘undermines the democratic accountability that underpins decision-making in this policy area’. We fully support the report’s conclusion that the position be reviewed to give, “fair access to the decision-making process for individuals affected by large-scale wind farms in Wales”.

So please keep your eyes open to local developments and use your democratic right to object to applications that might take the countryside from under our feet.

Carmarthenshire countryside © Martin Dowson

More advice can be obtained through Martin Dowson, Countryside Campaigner.

Photo Competition

in association with: Calling all photographers! We are looking for your original images showcasing the beauty and diversity of the Welsh countryside for a photo competition. The winning entries will each receive a fantastic rucksack worth between £35 and £65 courtesy of Cotswold Outdoor and have their photo published in a future edition of Welsh Rambler.

There are four categories:

Splendid Vistas – our amazing countryside; People and Places – showing the wide range and variety of people who enjoy walking in Wales; Blot on the Landscape – anything from litter to a badly designed building; Obstacles on my Path – things that get in your way.

Dead line: 1st November 2006 • Files can be supplied digitally or hardcopy (prints, transparencies).

• Include a short caption describing the exact location of the photograph (including a Grid ref) and some background (why something caught your eye, why the image is unique etc).

• Winners will be announced and published in the next edition of Welsh Rambler.

• You give us permission to use your photographs.

Please send entries to: The Ramblers’ Association, 3 Coopers Yard, Curran Road, Cardiff, CF10 5NB or e-mail to cerddwyr@ramblers.org.uk

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WORKING FOR WALKERS

Bob Seabrook

FOOTPATHS >>>

Stockproof fencing barring access to Brongain 14 - the court ordered this obstruction be replaced by a gate.

Brongain 14, Llanfechain, Powys BOB SEABROOK, POWYS footpaths officer for Ramblers has worked for five years with Annette Prince and the Community Council to secure a prosecution by Powys County Council against Mr Michael Harding for obstructing this path in 14 places. A large machinery shed, fence, chicken netting, stock-proof fencing on a footbridge, a welded gate, a pig run and removed stiles were all of great interest to the Chester County Court on 28 June. The court ordered the removal of these unlawful obstructions.

Bob said “The sooner the unlawful blocking of paths is stopped the better for walkers and the council tax payer. Far too many paths are denied or obstructed. I hope the court decision will send a clear message to path blockers that the time has come to open up unlawfully blocked footpaths or face action in the courts”.

Brecon Beacons Draft ROWIP is thorough, clearly structured and well presented but…

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he first of the draft “Rights of Way Improvement Plans” (ROWIPs) from Brecon Beacons National Park Authority appears well presented and in general we have been pleased to note the breadth of vision that it encompasses. Recognition of the vital role that countryside access plays in the physical, mental and social well being of the population features highly and sets a good foundation for this ambitious plan to meet Welsh Assembly Government guidance.

Implementation of any of the improvements outlined in the ROWIP must be in addition to, and not in place of, the current annual work programme and is something that the Ramblers in Wales will be stressing as each of the draft ROWIPs is made available. Of equal importance will be clarification on the reference made to the establishment of a path hierarchy. We are extremely wary of any attempt to downgrade the status of public rights of way for management or maintenance. We are particularly concerned

about the status and attention afforded the lowest ranked paths and strongly assert the need for legal minimum standards to be maintained. A prioritisation system based on clearing the backlog of path problems, rather than a hierarchy of the paths themselves, would present a useful positive shift in focus.

Greater clarity is also sought on funding because a definite statement on the funding position would give us a much clearer indication of the current picture and aid us in our lobbying work.

As we await the arrival of other draft ROWIPs from authorities in Wales, this first draft from Brecon Beacons National Park provides a real sense that the process has been taken seriously and that the consultation and feedback into those areas that raise concern will likewise receive equal consideration.

Finally, and as an ongoing safeguard, we are equally pleased to see that the progress of implementation will be subject to frequent, stringent review and consultation.

Walkers at the summit of the Sugar Loaf, Abergavenny © T C Evans 2005

Alley-gating with gating Orders THE RA AIMS to promote walking in urban areas, our volunteers are challenged by pressures to close and gate alleys.

Mike Mills ROW officer writes: In built-up areas there are many minor highways giving rear and side access to properties and providing shortcuts in town. They range from narrow footpaths to highways capable of accommodating vehicular traffic. Some of these highways provide opportunities for criminal acts and anti-social behaviour.

The new section 129A inserted into the Highways Act 1980 provides for a local authority to make a ‘gating’ order in respect of a highway that is subject to high and persistent levels of crime or anti-social behaviour that adversely affects local communities. ‘Gating’, that is, blocking some or all of the access points to the highway using gates, may reduce these problems but it is clear that such measures will not be appropriate in all cases. The RA is keen to ensure that other alternatives to deal with alleged anti-social behaviour in alleys should be explored first and that such measures should not signal a move away from accessible and open neighbourhoods towards those that are restricted and not necessarily safer. The RA is currently responding to a draft consultation on these regulations and will endeavour to make our concerns heard and ensure such measures are only used when appropriate and necessary.

Walking Tourism in the Beacons he Brecon Beacon National Park is promoting walking. It is the most popular activity in the Park with some 800,000 people generating £50 million for the park economy. The new walking tourism strategy is an encouraging document. It gives a key recommendation to “invest in improvement and maintenance to at least an agreed minimum standard across the NPA access network.” And provides advice on developing accommodation and information. It suggests encouraging visitors to keep car miles to a minimum. Two new documents have been produced, “The Sugar Loaf from Abergavenny” and “Wildlife Walks in Brecon Beacons National Park – a selection of family walks”.

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HYDREF 2006

bawb sy’n ei ddefnyddio. Un o’i bleserau yw’r amrywiaeth rhwng pob un o droeon yr wyth diwrnod. Nid oes raid iddynt gael eu cerdded yn yr un drefn ag yn y llyfr, ac mae pob diwrnod yn cynnig tro llawn a phleserus ar ei ben ei hun.

Cyhoeddwyd ar gyfer Cymdeithas Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog gan Walking Wales Magazine Limited, ISBN 190 230 535 4. Pris £12.00

All-Terrain pushchair walks – Anglesey and Lleyn Peninsula gan Zöe Sayer and Rebecca Terry – Adolygiad gan Delyth Evans

Val Walker Jones

LLYFRAU >>>

MYNEDIAD >>>

gan Dorothy Hamilton Ffotograffiau gan Steve Lewis – Adolygiad gan Laurence Main Mae cludiant cyhoeddus yn allweddol i gefn gwlad.

Nid yw Y Cerddwyr yn cyflawni eu hamcan wrth amddiffyn harddwch cefn gwlad drwy ychwanegu mwy o geir at y rhwydwaith ffyrdd sy’n ehangu. Mae amserlenni bysiau a threnau mor ddefnyddiol i’r cerddwr â mapiau Arolwg Ordnans. Maent yn galluogi i lwybrau llinol gael eu cerdded ac i bobl ymweld â thafarnau. Dylid llongyfarch Gwasg Carreg Gwalch ar gyhoeddi’r llyfr hwn. Gresyn na fyddai wedi cael ei argraffu ar bapur gwell. Mae’n angenrheidiol hefyd edrych ar yr amserlenni ymlaen llaw. Ond wedyn dylech fod yn gwybod beth yw eich amserlen chi beth bynnag, ac maent yn gwella wrth i bobl gefnogi cludiant cyhoeddus. Mae’r llyfr hwn yn werth ei bris o £4.95 a nodir ar y clawr.

Mae’r casgliad hwn o deithiau i gadeiriau gwthio ar bob math o dir ar Ynys Môn a Phen Llˆyn yn ychwanegiad ardderchog at y gyfres. Mae gennych 30 o deithiau i ddewis ohonynt yn amrywio o 1.25 o filltiroedd i 4.5 o filltiroedd gyda graddiannau amrywiol.

Mae’r cyfarwyddiadau yn hawdd eu dilyn gyda map bach ar gyfer pob un o’r teithiau, a rhoddir cyfeirnod Arolwg Ordnans os hoffech gael mwy o fanylion neu newid y daith eich hun. Ar ddiwedd bob taith mae awgrymiadau defnyddiol am atyniadau yn yr ardal sy’n addas i blant.

Rhoddir canllaw defnyddiol i brynu cadeiriau gwthio ar gyfer pob math o dir ar ddechrau’r llyfr ynghyd ag awgrymiadau defnyddiol eraill ynglˆyn â sut i wneud eich diwrnod allan gyda phlentyn bach mor hawdd â phosibl. Mae system o symbolau glyfar iawn ar gyfer bob tro i roi gwybod i chi a yw’r daith yn un y gellir ei gwneud ar eich pen eich hun, pa mor anodd ydy hi, y math o dir, a oes yno ardal chwarae, toiledau, bwrdd picnic, tafarn, fan hufen iâ ar y llwybr ac ati. Mae hyn i gyd yn ei gwneud yn haws i chi ddewis a chynllunio eich taith gyda’r plant.

Mae rhai o’r teithiau byrrach yn addas ac yn hwyl i blant bach ac i fabanod hefyd. Gallai’r llyfr fod wedi cynnwys rhywfaint o ganllawiau ynglˆyn â hyn hefyd. Efallai y bydd cyfres arall o lyfrau ar deithiau i blant sydd wedi dechrau cerdded pan fo plant yr awdur yn dechrau sgrechian am gael mynd allan o’r gadair wthio!

Ar y cyfan mae hwn yn ganllaw sydd wedi ei ysgrifennu’n dda. Llyfr cyfeirio hanfodol ar gyfer eich silff lyfrau.

Sigma Press. ISBN: 185 058 840 6. Pris: £7.95

King Arthur’s Camlan: A quest for Truth gan Laurence Main Dyma hanner canfed llyfr Laurence Main ac ynddo mae’n rhoi gwybodaeth am frwydr olaf y Brenin Arthur, yn yr hyn a ddisgrifiwyd fel ‘cyfuniad unigryw o ffaith hanesyddol gyda thro gweledigaethol”.

Mae’r llyfr 84 o dudalennau hwn yn sicr o fod yn boblogaidd gyda ffans y Brenin Arthur a rhai sy’n hoff o hanes fel ei gilydd.

Meirion Publications. ISBN: 187 197 411 9. Pris: £4.95

8

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Bus and Rail Walks in Denbighshire and Flintshire

Cyflwyno’r Ddeddf Cefn Gwlad a Hawliau Tramwy MAE SWYDDFA ARCHWILIO Cymru yn cynnal gwerthusiad gwerth am arian o fynediad cyhoeddus i gefn gwlad. Cyhoeddir yr astudiaeth olaf yn niwedd Medi/dechrau Hydref. Cynrychiolwyd y Cerddwyr ar y panel o arbenigwyr oedd yn bwydo i mewn i’r astudiaeth a bydd rhai o’r Cerddwyr wedi derbyn holiadur fel rhan o’r ymchwil ar gyfer yr adroddiad. Bydd yr adroddiad yn edrych ar gyflwyno Deddf Cefn Gwlad a Hawliau Tramwy 2000 a ddaeth â thir mynediad i ni a llawer mwy. Bydd hefyd yn ystyried materion ehangach yn ymwneud â mynediad sy’n gysylltiedig â phobl a llwybrau. Edrychwn ymlaen at rai argymhellion defnyddiol.

Daeth ail astudiaeth a wnaed gan ymgynghorwyr Asken gan edrych ar werthuso’r modd y gweithredir Deddf Cefn Gwlad a Hawliau Tramwy 2000 Rhan 1 yng Nghymru, Mawrth 2006 i’r casgliad fod y cyfan wedi mynd yn dda a bod gweithredu’r ddeddf wedi bod yn llwyddiant. Eglurir hyn mewn un ar ddeg o argymhellion.

Mynediad ar ddull yr Alban

DENGYS ARWYDDION CYNNAR mewn ymatebion oddi Gwasg Garreg Gwalch ISBN: 086 381 815 3 Pris: £4.95 wrth wirfoddolwyr mynediad y Cerddwyr fod angen i Circular Walks Around fynediad y Ddeddf CGHT gael ei hyrwyddo ond yn y tymor hir y mae cefnogaeth i ddeddfwriaeth mynediad tebyg i’r Beddgelert hyn sy’n digwydd yn yr Alban. Mae angen rhoi ystyriaeth gan Dorothy Hamilton fanwl i’r holl gwestiynau allweddol ynghylch lle, beth, sut, – Adolygiad gan Ron Williams pa bryd, pam a phwy. Yn y cyfamser os mai dyma eich diddordeb gallech ymweld â www.canoewales.com lle mae deiseb sy’n galw am fynediad i lannau afonydd yn agored i dderbyn llofnodion. Byddai mynediad ar hyd glannau afonydd, pe bai’n cael ei sicrhau, yn dod â budd i gerddwyr ond mae’r canw-wyr yn fwy awyddus i symud tuag at ateb mwy cynhwysfawr sy’n debyg i’r hyn sy’n digwydd yn yr Alban. Rhowch wybod i ni beth yw eich barn.

Defnyddwyr cadeiriau olwyn gogledd Cymru yn anelu at y Rhaeadr Fawr YSGRIFENNA VAL WALKER JONES o Ardal Gogledd Cymru: “Ar ddydd Sadwrn, 10 Mehefin 2006 trefnwyd digwyddiad i helpu defnyddwyr cadeiriau olwyn i fwynhau golygfeydd gwych y Rhaeadr Fawr, Abergwyngregyn ym Mharc Cenedlaethol Eryri gan Gyngor Cefn Gwlad Cymru a Pharc Cenedlaethol Eryri.

Mae Dorothy Hamilton yn awdur newydd i ysgrifennu llyfrau taith am deithiau cerdded yng Ngogledd Cymru. Mae gan bob tro fap, disgrifiad o’r tro gyda gwybodaeth am fannau o ddiddordeb a’r llwybr yn cael eu disgrifio.

Mae’r map yn hawdd ac yn syml. Mae’r disgrifiadau yn gynhwysfawr ar yn ddiddorol i’w darllen. Mae cyfeiriadau’r llwybr yn cael eu rhannu i gamau byr ac maent yn hawdd eu dilyn.

Er bod teitl y llyfr yn nodi fod teithiau cylchol 4 yn rhai ‘sy’n mynd yno ac yn ôl’, i wneud y rhain yn rhai cylchol byddai angen cynnwys adran ar hyd ffordd brysur neu adran llawer mwy anodd – byddai ysgrifenwyr mwy sefydledig yn barod iawn i ddefnyddio’r tactegau hyn. I mi mae’r dull hwn yn well.

Mae’r troeon yn amrywio o dro o ryw awr o amgylch y pentref gan ymweld â’r eglwys a Bedd Gelert hyd at daith diwrnod cyfan i ddringo’r Wyddfa. Ar yr olwg gyntaf gellid holi pa mor ddoeth yw rhoi ystod mor eang o fewn yr un llyfr. Ond mae’r awdur yn rhoi rhybuddion ynglˆyn â’r troeon mynyddig i gyd.

Gwasg Carreg Gwalch: ISBN 184 527 090 8. Pris: £4.50.

Ffordd y Bannau The Beacons Way - The Holy Mountain to Bethlehem Gan John Sansom ac Arwel Michael – Adolygiad gan John Evans

Meirion Publications. ISBN: 187 197 411 9. Price £4.95

This is Laurence Main’s 50th book and in it he pieces together King Arthur’s last battle, in what has been described as “a unique blend of historical fact with a visionary twist.” This 84-page book is sure to be a hit with King Arthur fans and history lovers alike.

by Laurence Main

King Arthur’s Camlan: A quest for Truth Sigma Press. ISBN: 185 058 840 6. Price: £7.95

This latest collection of all-terrain pushchair walks in Anglesey and Lleyn Peninsula is an excellent addition to the series. You are spoilt for choice with 30 walks to choose from ranging from 1.25 miles to 4.5 miles and varying gradients.

The instructions are easy to follow with a small map for each walk, Ordnance survey reference if given if you want more detail or alter the walk yourself. At the end of each walk there are useful suggestions of attractions in the area suitable for children.

A useful guide to purchasing an all terrain pushchair is given at the beginning of the book along with other useful tips on how to make your day out with a little one as easy as possible.

There is a clever little symbol system for each walk to let you know if the walk is manageable alone, how strenuous it is, type of terrain, if there is a play area, toilets, picnic table, pub, ice cream van on route etc. All this makes it easier to choose and plan your outing with the children.

Some of the shorter walks are also suitable and fun for toddlers and young children. The book could have included some guidance on this too.

Perhaps there will be another series of books on toddler walks when the author’s children begin to scream to get out of the pushchair!!

All in all a well written guide. An essential reference book for your book shelf.

by Zöe Sayer and Rebecca Terry – a review by Delyth Evans

All-Terrain pushchair walks – Anglesey and Lleyn Peninsula Published for the Brecon Beacons Park Society by Walking Wales Magazine Ltd, ISBN: 190 230 5 35 4.

Price: £12.00

aid to walkers planning their days out, and will give much pleasure to all who use it. One of its joys is the variety between each of the eight days’ walks. They need not be walked in the same sequence as in the book, and each Day provides a full and enjoyable walk on its own.

Roeddwn yn falch iawn pan ofynnwyd i mi adolygu’r llyfr hwn ychydig ddyddiau’n unig ar ôl sefyll yn ymyl Arwel Michael a Chris Barber yn amlosgiad John Sansom. Syniad John oedd Llwybr y Bannau ac ni fyddai erioed wedi digwydd heb ei weledigaeth am y syniad a’i weithgaredd yn cynllunio’r llwybr.

Roeddem yn ffodus iawn fod John wedi byw i weld y syniad yn dod i fodolaeth a’r brwdfrydedd a greodd y llwybr ymysg y cyhoedd sy’n hoff o gerdded.

Dylai llyfrau fel hyn apelio at y darllenydd mewn cadair esmwyth, yn ogystal â’r cerddwr. Fe’m cyfyngwyd i’r categori cyntaf yn unig hyd yma ond mae’r llyfr wedi gwneud i mi fod ag awydd mynd allan i gefn gwlad, yn arbennig i dir y Mynydd Du a ddisgrifiwyd ar ddiwrnod 7. Rwy’n sicr y bydd y llyfr yn gymorth amhrisiadwy i gerddwyr sy’n cynllunio eu dyddiau allan, ac y bydd yn rhoi llawer o bleser i

Bus and Rail Walks in Denbighshire and Flintshire

Ymunais ag 14 o ddefnyddwyr cadeiriau olwyn, eu teuluoedd, ffrindiau, cynrychiolwyr o’r Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaethol, CCGC (CCW), archeolegydd a wardeniaid eraill y Parc wrth y fynedfa i’r warchodfa yn Abergwyngregyn. Arweiniodd Warden y Parc, Alan Pritchard, ni ar hyd y llwybr yng Ngwarchodfa Natur Genedlaethol Coedydd Aber at y Rhaeadr ac yn ôl. Roedd y tywydd yn berffaith, gyda haul a golygfeydd hyfryd o’n cwmpas. Roedd llawer o sgwrsio a chwerthin. Aeth rhai o’r batrïau ar y bygis yn isel iawn wrth i’r defnyddwyr fynd dros dir garw a serth.

Ond roedd help wrth law. Yn awr fel arfer fyddai cerddwyr ddim yn meddwl fod y llwybr hwn yn serth, ond roedd y daith hon wedi rhoi golwg newydd iawn ar y problemau y mae defnyddwyr cadeiriau olwyn yn eu hwynebu. Roedd un giât mochyn ar hyd y trac yn achosi problem. Pan osodwyd hon i ddechrau yr oedd y giât yn ddigon mawr. Bellach mae bygis yn fwy. Ond Defnyddwyr cadeiriau olwyn a a d d a w o d d ffrindiau yn mwynhau’r Rhaeadr Fawr. wardeniaid y Parc y byddai’r giât yn cael ei gwneud yn fwy fel y gallai bygi fynd drwyddi.

Roedd y llawenydd a brofodd pawb pan gyrhaeddwyd y rhaeadr yn aruthrol. Diwrnod gwych!

How did CROW go?

28/9/06

TUDALEN

8 I was touched to be asked to review this book only a few days after standing near Arwel Michael and Chris Barber at John Sansom’s cremation. The Beacons Way was always John’s brainchild, and would never have happened without his vision of the concept, or his activity in recce-ing and planning the route. How fortunate that John lived to see his brainchild come into existence, and the enthusiasm with which the route has been taken up by the walking public.

Books of this sort should appeal to the armchair reader and the walker on the ground. I have so far been confined to the first category, but the book has whetted my appetite to get out into the countryside, particularly the challenging terrain of Mynydd Du described on day 7. I am sure the book will be an invaluable

By John Sansom and Arwel Michael – a review by John Evans

Ffordd y Bannau The Beacons Way - The Holy Mountain to Bethlehem Gwasg Carreg Gwalch: ISBN 184 527 090 8. Price: £4.50.

Dorothy Hamilton is a new writer on the North Wales Walks Guide Book Scene. Each walk has a map, a description of the walk with information on places of interest and the route description.

The maps are simple and easy to understand.

The descriptions are comprehensive and interesting to read. The route directions are broken up into short stages and easy to follow.

Although the title of the book states Circular Walks, four are “there and back”. To make them circular would either include a section along a busy road or much more difficult – more established writers would not hesitate to use these tactics. I find this approach better.

The walks range from a walk of about 1 hour around the village and visiting the church and Gelert’s Grave up to an all day ascent of Snowdon. At first glance one questions the wisdom of putting such a wide range within the same book. The author does however give warnings on all the mountain walks.

by Dorothy Hamilton – Reviewed by Ron Williams

Circular Walks Around Beddgelert Gwasg Garreg Gwalch ISBN: 086 381 815 3. Price: £4.95

Public transport is an essential key to the countryside. Ramblers do not fulfil their object of defending the beauty of the countryside by adding more cars to the expanding road network. Bus and train timetables are as useful to the rambler as Ordnance Survey maps. They enable linear routes to be walked and pubs to be visited. Gwasg Carreg Gwalch are to be congratulated on publishing this book. I just wish it had been printed on better paper. It is also necessary to check timetables in advance.

But then you should know yours anyway, whilst they get better as people support public transport. This book is well worth its £4.95 cover price.

by Dorothy Hamilton Photographs by Steve Lewis – Reviewed by Laurence Main

BOOKS >>>

Val Walker Jones

PAGE

I joined 14 wheelchairs users, their families, friends, representatives from the National Trust, CCW, an archaeologist and other park wardens at the entrance to the reserve in Abergwyngregyn. Park warden Alan Pritchard led us along the path in the Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve to the Falls and back. The weather was perfect, sun and lovely views all round.

There was lots of chat and laughter. Some of the batteries on the buggies became seriously low as the users went over rough and steep ground. But help was at hand. Now normally ramblers wouldn’t think that this path was steep, but this outing put a whole new perspective on the problems that wheelchair users can face. There was one kissing gate along the track which caused a problem. When this was first put in the gate was large enough. Now buggies are bigger. But the Park W a r d e n s Wheelchair users and friends promised that the enjoy Aber Falls gate would be made larger so a buggy could reverse in and out. The joy experienced by all when they reached the Falls was tremendous.

What a great day out!

VAL WALKER JONES of North Wales Area writes: On Saturday 10 June 2006 an event to help wheelchair users enjoy the breath-taking views of Aber Falls in the Snowdonia National Park was organised by the Countryside Council for Wales and the Snowdonia National Park.

North Wales wheelchair users visit Aber Falls EARLY INDICATIONS IN responses from RA access volunteers show that our current CROW access needs be promoted but, in the long term, there is support for “Scottish style” access legislation. All the key questions of where, what, when, why and who need careful consideration. In the meantime, if this is your interest, you might visit www.canoewales.com, where a petition calling for riverside access is open for signatures. This riverside access would, if secured, benefit walkers, but the canoeists are keener to move towards the more comprehensive Scottish-style solution. Do let us know your views.

Scottish-style access A second study by Asken consultants looking at an Evaluation of the implementation of Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 part1 in Wales March 2006 concluded that all had gone well and the implementation was a success, this is spelled out in 11 recommendations.

WALES AUDIT OFFICE is conducting a Value for Money Evaluation of Public Access to the Countryside. The final study will be published in late September/early October.

Ramblers were represented on the expert panel feeding into the study and some ramblers will have received a questionnaire as part of the research for the report. The report will look at delivery of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 which has brought us access land and much more. It will also consider wider access issues relating to people and paths. We look forward to some helpful recommendations.

ACCESS >>>

AUTUMN 2006

Welsh

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