Walkers adopt footpath

Herefordshire Council's public rights of way department is delighted the ECHO Walking Group has adopted a popular footpath in Leominster.

The path, which runs from the top of Eaton Hill to the Worcester Road, is well used by a variety of walkers, including the ECHO Walking for Health group, part of a local charity supporting people with learning difficulties.

The ECHO Walking for Health group came about after Herefordshire Council launched a Walking for Health scheme in Leominster in November 2004.
Dennis Downey, Walking for Health co-ordinator, said the idea for adopting the footpath came when the group was following the Priory History Trail no.2. which returns to Leominster on top of Eaton Hill above the Worcester road.

He said: "We found a stretch of this very old path was so overgrown with brambles and nettles that we had to find our way around the path despite the fact we could clearly see the footpath sign showing where we should have been able to go.

"This is possibly part of an ancient drovers trail and, as such, has great historical and spiritual importance both for walkers and Leominster community. The path leads to some very beautiful old steps which drop down from the path to the field below and lead you home to Leominster.

"Our group felt it was a great shame not to be able to walk where so many feet had walked before and members felt they would like to offer to clear up the route as a thank you for the right to walk on all footpaths in Herefordshire, and a gift back to the community we live in," Mr Downey added.

Herefordshire Council will provide the group with protective equipment such as gloves and goggles and the first working party will start clearing the path this month. The group will then continue to keep the path clear with follow-up work sessions.

Rob Hemblade, Herefordshire Council's public rights of way officer, said: "We are delighted this group has agreed to adopt this footpath and hope similar groups within the county may consider doing the same.

"There are around 4,400 registered public rights of way in Herefordshire, ranging in length from a few metres to several kilometres, and totalling 3,400 km so we do have a wide area to cover with limited resources.

"Nothing can beat local knowledge and having people who use footpaths regularly taking on the role of maintaining them, not only helps us to improve the network but also helps the many people who enjoy walking in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside," he added.

Anyone wanting more information about adopting a footpath should contact Rob Hemblade on 01432 261981.