Issue 19, May 2007
In this issue
Hello,
There's something fishy going on on our railways - fares go up but conditions get worse. Sardine Man is gutted about this and if you are too, you can support his campaign for better railway journeys.
Walking is thirsty work and we know many of you enjoy a pint or three at the end of a long walk. We're keen to hear about all those walker-friendly pubs out there, so please send us your recommendations.
One of the reasons we enjoy the right to roam today is the mass demonstration that took place back in 1932. 75 years on, you can celebrate what these angry young ramblers achieved by following in their footsteps - and nowadays it won't land you in prison!
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SHOULD TRAINS BE LIKE SARDINE TINS?
 | You can help support Sardine Man in his quest to improve Britain’s railways. Passenger numbers keep going up and train overcrowding is getting worse. In July the Government will publish a new 30 year plan for the railways and your pressure can help make sure it provides vital investment and expansion. |
Sardine Man recently toured Britain, travelling on the most overcrowded trains, recording passengers' experiences of overcrowding and gathering evidence to send to Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport.
The Ramblers are part of Transport 2000, the national campaign behind Sardine Man. Their figures show that better rail services could play a major role in reducing road congestion and tackling climate change.
Travelling in a train rather than a car produces 45% less pollution per passenger. Eliminating existing congestion on the roads could add £8 billion to the economy a year.
Visit www.sardineman.org.uk to read more about train overcrowding and ask your MP to support the campaign.
CAMPAIGNING ACROSS BRITAIN
Ramblers campaigners are active all over Britain, defending footpaths, publicising newly-accessible land and protecting our most important landscapes. Even if these are not literally in 'your back yard' - what happens in the countryside affects us all.
Check out some of the issues we're lending support to:
- Stop Stansted Expansion - Hertfordshire Ramblers are appearing at the Public Inquiry to argue against an additional 80,000 flights each year, which would massively increase the noise and pollution over Herts and Essex: www.stopstanstedexpansion.com
- Longstone Edge - a damaging quarry proposal in the Peak District threatens popular walking and hiking routes: www.longstone-edge.org.uk
- Beauly-Denny Pylons - this massive pylon scheme will drastically transform remote landscapes in the Scottish Highlands. We are working with others to protect the wildness and beauty of Scotland from political misjudgement and the financial muscle of multinational energy companies. This opposition includes evidence on the economic justification of this powerline:
www.ramblers.org.uk/Scotland/countryside/energy/Beauly-Denny
WATERING HOLES FOR WALKERS
| Forget the beautiful scenery, the fresh air and the gorgeous outdoors – for some people the best part of a good walk is the pub stop. |  |
Whether it’s for lunch, afternoon tea or a well-deserved, celebratory pint at the end, the humble British pub can often be a Mecca for walkers.
And judging by the number of muddy boots outside some of them (and the queue at the bar!), it would be safe to say there are a good number of walkers passing through the doors who might wish to support the work the Ramblers do – if only they were aware of it…
So, tell us your favourite “walker-friendly” pub. This could be one in your local area popular with walkers, or one you discovered on a great walk further afield. We’re going to approach the landlords and ask if they would host a small stack of our leaflets in their pubs. Another small way we can spread the word!
Please email Ruth at news@ramblers.org.uk with the following information:
- Name and location of pub (OS grid reference if available)
- Name of nearest town and any known walking trails or routes nearby
- County in which it is found
HAS WALKING CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
For some people walking has played a huge part in helping them get through a difficult period in their lives. Dealing with divorce, bereavement, retirement, and even moving to a new neighbourhood can be very stressful and isolating.
We know that many of you walk to make new friends and meet new people. And some even use Ramblers Group walks as a great way to relax and re-discover life after an illness or injury.
So if walking has had a really positive impact on your life, why not share your story? Your experience could inspire others to discover the joys of walking. Please get in touch with us at ruthw@ramblers.org.uk
FOLLOWING IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS
In 1932, 500 young ramblers walked to the highest point in the Peak District to demonstrate their frustration at the lack of progress for the right to roam.
Halfway up, they encountered the Duke of Devonshire’s Gamekeepers and as a result, five of the ramblers were arrested and imprisoned for trespass.
When this was reported in the newspapers it unleashed a huge wave of public sympathy and support for the cause.
The Kinder Scout Mass Trespass is now recognised as a major catalyst not only for the right to roam - now enshrined in law under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 - but also the creation of our National Parks, of which the Peak District was the first in 1951.
Last month was the 75th anniversary of this historic event. To celebrate, you can now follow in the footsteps of the trespassers by walking the Trespass Trail, a 14-mile walk starting and finishing at New Mills Heritage Centre in the Peak District.
The Trail takes in most of the important locations which featured in the build up to, and events of, the 1932 Mass Trespass.
Visit www.kindertrespass.com to download a booklet and a map and take a walk through rambling history.
LAST WORD....
"The trouble about journeys nowadays is that they are easy to make but difficult to justify. The earth, which once danced and spun before us alluringly as a celluloid ball on top of a fountain in a rifle-range, is now a dull and vulnerable target." PETER FLEMING, travel writer
