powysramblers.org.uk
Working for Powys Walkers
2009 Annual General Meeting – Powys Area Ramblers
2009 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF
POWYS AREA OF THE RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION
You are invited to attend the AGM of Powys Area, Ramblers Association.
SUNDAY 29th November
at the Greyhound Inn, Garth Road, Builth Wells
(NOTE: street parking near the pub is limited; try the Groe car park)
10.00 Circular walk from the Groe Car Park (thanks to 4 Wells Group)
1.00 Buffet lunch will be available (donation requested).
2.00 AGM
Volunteers Help to Improve Routes in Powys
Volunteers have been helping to improve local walking trails in Powys. Working alongside the council’s Countryside Services team, volunteers have already been carrying out work in Crossgates, Llanbadarn Fawr and Abbeycwmhir. 
The work is being carried out as part of Powys County Council’s Circular Trails Project which aims to create 12 new circular trails within communities around Powys.
The project is concentrating on more remote areas of Powys where there is little rights of way provision. The Project Officer is currently working with communities in Abbeycwmhir, Nantmel, St Harmon, Llangyniew and Trefeglwys. Powys County Council’s Circular Trails Officer Kevin Straw, said:
I would like to thank all those volunteers who took part through the day and I look forward to continue working with them throughout the remainder of the project.
The Circular Trails Project is funded through the European Union as part of the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013.
Walkers warned over cow dangers
Three people have died over the past three months after walking in fields where cows are present.
When you are in the countryside, please be aware of the dangers that cows, especially those which have calves, may present. The danger can be increased if you have a dog with you.
Please read the following advice from the NFU:
“Our advice to walkers is if you have a dog with you, keep it under close control, but do not hang on to it should a cow or bull start acting aggressively. If you feel threatened, just carry on as normal, do not run, move to the edge of the field and if possible find another way round the field, returning to the original path as soon as is possible. And remember to close the gate.
“The NFU produces guidance for its members on livestock kept in fields through which there is a public right of way. The Health and Safety Executive also produces guidance on cattle and public access.”
Read the HSE’s Cattle and Public Access in England and Wales here.
The Countryside Code applies in England and Wales and makes it clear what the responsibilities are for both the public and land managers. Read it here.
The Kennel Club has also issued advice for dog owners in the countryside here.
Discovering Lost Ways: Govt responds to 6,500-strong petition
Nearly 6,500 people signed the Ramblers petition on the No. 10 website calling for the government to repeal the legislation which will extinguish thousands of unrecorded rights of way in 2026.
In response, the government will establish a group to explore the issues surrounding recording historic rights of way on the definitive map.
Ms Davis welcomed the postponement of the cut off until after the group has reported. She said: “By the time the petition closed on 1 July 2009 nearly 6,500 people had signed. That made it overwhelmingly the best signed petition in the ‘environmental’ section of the Downing Street website.
“It collected near double the amount of signatures of its closest runner in the category, before it closed. Many thanks to everyone who signed.
“We are very pleased that the Government has re-affirmed its commitment not to pursue the implementation of the cut-off date until after the Stakeholder Working Group has reported.
“The Ramblers is part of that group which comprises representatives of user groups, landowners and local authorities. We are hopeful that a number of constructive ideas will be presented to the government by the end of the year which will improve the legislation surrounding the recording of paths on definitive maps, to the benefit of all concerned, so that the need for a cut-off date is either removed or its effect on the network of unrecorded routes reduced.”
Read the full Government response to the petition.
Read more about Discovering Lost Ways
The above article originally appeared in the Ramblers Website
4th Annual Heart of Wales Walking Festival
Llandrindod Wells‘ annual Heart of Wales Walking festival takes place on 11th – 13th September and includes walks to suit all.
Each day there will be a choice of all day walks, some of which will incorporate a pub lunch; and of half day walks with a theme such as churches, natural history or geology.
On the Saturday there are Challenge walks of 12 and 22 miles.
The festival HQ and Registration Desk will be outside the Lakeside Restaurant (Grid Reference – SN 062606).
The terrain varies from gently rolling countryside to moderately rugged hills, incorporating narrow valleys, ancient hill forts, some riverside walking, traces of Roman occupation, and many items of historical interest in this little known region of Wales.
The official launch of the Festival and the launch of Llandrindod Wells as a Walkers are Welcome town, will take place on Friday Evening.
More information and walk programme can be found here
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