Newsletter > Newsletter archive > July 2021
July 2021
The state of our paths
We have had some glorious walking weather, but it's also the time of year when we hear from members struggling through rapidly growing undergrowth. After a wet start to the summer the sun has been out in force and the vegetation has taken the opportunity to spring upwards. With councils under more pressure than ever before, cutting back grass and nettles is unlikely to be a priority, so sometimes it's necessary to fight one's way through. We recommend carrying a walking pole (or finding a useful stick) and wearing long trousers, even if the hot weather makes a pair of shorts seem appealing. Alternatively waterproof over-trousers can do the trick.
Some footpaths may not have been as well walked as usual in the past 18 months, but the best thing we can do is get out and walk them. If you have been wading through undergrowth, do remember to check for ticks which are rampant in many parts of the country and can carry infections, including Lyme disease. There is good advice on tick prevention, what to look out for, and how to remove them safely if you have been bitten, on the NHS website.
It is also a good time to remind ourselves that some precious paths may be lost to the public in less than five years time, when the deadline for registering them is reached. The Ramblers Association is actively identifying potential 'lost paths' and has an action plan leading up to the 1st January 2026. The first stage of the process has just been completed, with the charity mapping over 49,000 miles of paths that may be at risk of being 'lost'. There's a short video showing how this search was conducted and the next steps on the Ramblers Association website. You may wish to get involved.
It's time to create new travel memories
If you have been dreaming of your next European adventure, you don't need to wait any longer - self-guided holiday specialists Inntravel are once again operating to a range of overseas destinations.
These include Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and Croatia, giving you the choice between high mountain walking, leisurely coastal explorations and everything in between. If your preference is to stay away from the crowds, Inntravel recommend taking a look at Hills & Coast of Asturias - their single-centre walking holiday in unspoiled northern Spain, where scenic trails reveal lush, rolling hills, secluded coves and pretty fishing villages.
As well as resuming their European offering, Inntravel have also been busy adding yet more new holidays to their UK collection, which now includes rewarding walking adventures in the Brecon Beacons, the Lake District and even on the Channel Island of Jersey.
Whether you choose to remain close to home or to travel overseas, all Inntravel trips include detailed route notes, stays at welcoming accommodation of character, and - where more than one hotel is involved - luggage transfers.
Visit inntravel.co.uk to view their full collection of self-guided holidays for both 2021 and 2022, or contact their expert team to discuss your travel plans directly - they can be reached either online or by telephone on 01653 617034.
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New Devon Pilgrim Project
Pilgrimage routes linking Devon's historic churches and ancient holy sites are being created as part of a new project across the county. Devon Pilgrim aims to offer the inspiration and confidence people need to 'take a journey of the heart', without having to worry too much about route finding. The project is the brainchild of the Diocese of Exeter's Growing the Rural Church team, working with churches and other volunteers across the region.
The initial Devon Pilgrim routes are the Archangel's Way (from St Michael's, Brentor, to St Michael the Archangel, Chagford), the St Boniface Way from Crediton Parish Church to Exeter Cathedral and the Sacred Waters Way, which explores the spirituality of the river Dart from its source to sea. Each pilgrimage is divided into sections which starts and ends at a church, so they can be walked in one go over several days or in shorter segments. It is hoped that more routes will follow.
Geology for Walkers
'Geology for Walkers' is a new book by geologist and fellow Walkingworld member Steve Peacock. The book is designed as a 'companion for the scientifically curious' rather than as a textbook, and is squarely aimed at the outdoor enthusiast or hobby geologist interested in learning more about, and developing a deeper appreciation for, the geological story around them. The book draws on National Trails for examples but, thanks to plentiful diagrams, provides a model for observing the geological environment wherever you are walking. It can be bought from Amazon for just over £12.