July saw the Senedd Legislation Bill remove the threat of a deadline for recording footpaths in Wales – something Ramblers Cymru have been advocating for over many years. This change to the law gives communities the time they need to make sure important paths are recorded.  

We were also delighted to hear that the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) will include a requirement for landowners to meet their existing access responsibilities in maintaining public rights of way on their land.  For the first time in Wales, this means possible financial consequences for farmers if paths are blocked or unsafe.
 
We’re encouraged to see opportunities for additional funding for one-off improvements to increase path accessibility included within the SFS framework, for example by replacing stiles with gates. 

Including public access within the SFS is a crucial element in delivering the quality walking infrastructure Wales deserves. Improving access to the path network will bring a host of benefits: including improving mental and physical health, helping shape connected communities and attracting tourism spend. 

We’re pleased to see the Welsh government giving a clear message that the public path network must be protected, and legal responsibilities must be met, as a condition of public funding for landowners. 

This SFS funding complements existing Access Improvement Grants (AIG) – currently £2 million a year – to improve access to the countryside, green space and open access land. 

 

Further progress is needed  

However, despite some progress towards widening access to the outdoors, the current state of public rights of way across the country remains a problem. The role of landowners in keeping paths usable is a longstanding legal obligation which has too often been neglected. 

According to a recent ERRAMP report, half of Wales' public rights of way are blocked and/or unsigned. It’s vital that the condition of the path network in Wales is improved, allowing rights of access to become a reality on the ground. 

 

What needs to be done 

We’re urging the Welsh government to build on recent positive steps by committing more funding to the Access Improvement Grant, and by setting out a plan for increasing walking opportunities and reducing barriers on our paths. 

With a Senedd Election fast approaching, we are asking all parties to commit to improve everyone’s access to nature by: 

• Rejuvenating our cherished path network.
• Creating easier access to nature.
• Supporting new opportunities for people to get out walking. 

Ramblers Cymru is keen to work with landowners and government to share the expertise and skills of our members and help make the most of future opportunities to revitalise public access to nature. 

 

Ramblers Cymru project successes 

Ramblers Cymru projects have demonstrated the benefits of collaborative working to open the way for everyone to enjoy the simple pleasures of walking in nature. 

The Paths to Wellbeing project put walking at the heart of 18 communities across Wales by giving them the tools and training to improve nature and access to walking in their local area. As well as creating 145 new walking routes, the project also saw 280 gates installed. 

In Powys the Paths to Prosperity project boosted access in the county in collaboration with Powys County Council, including the installation of 30 gates. 

Currently, the Paths Partnership project in Carmarthenshire is working with volunteers and the County Council to survey the path network, log and resolve access issues.