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Pathwayscoversmall.jpgThis forum is for discussion around the chapters in the 'Pathways' book. There is a thread for each chapter in the book. 'Pathways' is an exploration of the historic paths and tracks of Britain, written by Walkingworld founders Nicholas Rudd-Jones and David Stewart. We hope that this forum will be a place for extending that exploration. Find out more about the book

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Pathways > Pedestrian zones
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Richard Hardy - 09/04/2012 11:04:16
 
 

RE:Pedestrian zones

Technically lines were "walked" at regular intervals by the track gangs responsible for their maintenance (in the days before on track plant and mechanisation), that's why there were many small structures beside the track (ubiquitously known as Platelayers Huts) to provide shelter. So although many of the lines now closed and providing tracks for walking and cycling weren't walked for their whole length by one individual, they were walked. As far as I am aware the only really long distance walks to boxes tended to be on the Settle and Carlisle, particularly at Ais Gill and Mallerstand, though the signal staff would use bikes.

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David Stewart - 21/07/2011 11:45:15
 
 

RE:Pedestrian zones

Yes the case of railway lines is interesting. We considered railways for the book but of course they weren't generally walked during the course of their original purpose. We even considered tracks walked by e.g. signalmen to reach places on the railway, but couldn't find anything really signficant. Now, of course, disused railway lines have been given a vital new purpose, both as inner-city pedestrian and cycle routes and for leisure walking in the country. The work of Sustrans could be a book in its own right (in fact, there probably is one!).

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Ken Phillips - 25/06/2011 21:35:23
 
 

RE:Pedestrian zones

I was not sure which thread to use. I just want to suggest another thread ( and a possible additional chapter for a second edition of the book). Disused railway walks.

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David Stewart - 25/05/2011 11:46:08
 
 

Pedestrian zones

Please use this thread to discuss the 'Pedestrian zones' chapter in the 'Pathways' book.

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