According to the Ramblers’ report on public footpaths, a study has found that the whitest parts of England and Wales have 144% more local paths. This report brings attention to an injustice that goes beyond the loss of rights of way. Prior to the prevalence of cars, pedestrians historically used roads to travel throughout the country, alongside riders and horse-drawn vehicles. When examining the accounts of famous walkers such as Coleridge, Keats, and even Edward Thomas in 1913, it becomes evident that they mainly walked on roads, not footpaths.
However, the rise of the automobile, aided by significant government investments, has gradually forced walkers off the roads, leaving them with limited alternatives.
It is imperative to address this issue, but simply restoring a patchwork of old rights of way is not sufficient. What we need is a cohesive network that connects people to their desired destinations.
Tony Hufton
Norwich
Liverpool’s position among the bottom five local authorities in England and Wales regarding the provision of public footpaths comes as no surprise to me. Over 60 years ago, we used a well-used footpath as youngsters to walk from Orrell Park to the local public library in Walton, passing by Walton jail. That same path, later confirmed as a public footpath, also served as a safe off-road walking route to Rice Lane school.
Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. Despite my late brother, Tony Birtill’s courageous campaign (Obituary, 18 January 2022), the path was closed off by the council under pressure from local property owners, with the compliance of the councillors.
Public footpaths only fulfill their purpose if they effectively connect neighborhoods. Established footpaths should always take precedence over opportunistic residents who seek to benefit their properties. If residents are unhappy with a footpath, they should consider relocating elsewhere.
John Birtill
Guisborough, North Yorkshire
In addition to the unequal access to public footpaths in local communities, the lack of public transportation, particularly in rural areas and county council authorities, poses a significant barrier for many individuals to enjoy long-distance walking.
Implementing a coordinated strategy that encourages walking and public transport usage would not only benefit individuals but also contribute to environmental conservation efforts. Unfortunately, this approach seems increasingly unlikely, given the government’s weakening commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, including their opposition to low emission zones that would support local walking, the delay in banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, and the inadequate investment in public transportation.
Mike Stein
Pudsey, West Yorkshire
It is interesting to note the alleged poor provision of footpaths in Norwich. After relocating here from the Peak District, where she had to drive to access basic amenities such as the GP, shops, or cinema, my mother-in-law now walks everywhere. The city center is completely pedestrianized, and Norwich is home to the first-ever pedestrianized street in the UK. There are numerous parks and footpaths along the river that serve as integral components of people’s daily routines, rather than merely being places to go for a walk.
I respectfully suggest that the Ramblers reevaluate their methodology.
Kathy Moyse
Wacton, Norfolk
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