Walking those Local Paths

I wrote this three years ago. We had no idea then just how important local paths were to become in these days of pandemic. So please help the Ramblers claim those 49000 miles of paths that are not yet on the Definitive Map. Fight this government’s proposals to make your freedom to roam in our…

The New Blog

Thank you for following Walk the Old Ways. As I said in my last blog, I’m starting a new site and Walk the Old Ways will be archived. The new one will still feature walks and countryside news and views, so I hope you will keep following. The new blog is called Country Ways –…

Daffodils in Brigsteer Wood

Wandering lonely as a cloud? Not quite. There were two of us for a start. And, just for the record, William Wordsworth didn’t either, despite what his famous poem says. He was with a party of others at the time, and the whole idea was first outlined in his cleverer sister Dorothy’s journal. He saw…

Teesdale Way to Cotherstone

Want some of the finest river scenery in England? Try the Teesdale Way from Barnard Castle (Barney) to the lovely village of Cotherstone. Such a grand wooded valley, with surrounding downland-type hills. The upper stages of the River Tees are quite superb. People of Barney who like a walk are most fortunate. So many grand…

Old Paths – Sedbergh into Dentdale

Want a walk on old paths where there are few people around and some terrific scenery? Just about seven miles and the opportunity to browse in the Sedbergh bookshops afterwards? Sedbergh is one of my favourite starts for walking, whether you go up on to the lovely rolling slopes of the Howgill Fells, or explore…

Forbidden Kinder

Coming Soon….. FORBIDDENKINDER is beinglaunched at the 90th KinderTrespassanniversary event,Saturday 23 April2pm at the RoyalHotel, Hayfield.ForbiddenKinder –the 1932 MassTrespass re-visitedBy Keith Warrenderconsultant editorsRoly Smith & Tom WaghornKinder Scout, once an upland freely enjoyed by many, became theforbidden mountain as grouse moor owners barred ramblers in the1860s. There were decades of campaigning by walkers to re-openthe…

Meeting of the Waters – along the Teesdale Way

Wonderful river scenery, good paths, an ancient abbey and not too many people about – well, the Teesdale Way from Barnard Castle fulfils all those requirements. Long before Barnard Castle shot into fame with a certain Mr Dominic Cummings and his notorious eye-test, it was known to us as a grand place to start walks,…

Snowdrops, Stoops and Sizergh and War

After what seems like interminable storms and rain, we at last got a dry and settled day, so we set off to Sizergh Castle to walk to Brigsteer and Helsington church in search of snowdrops. I’ve never known any county as rich in snowdrops as Cumbria. We’ve enjoyed the snowdrops in our own valley, but…

Brian Le Messurier

Very saddened to hear of the death of Brian Le Messurier at the age of 92, a great champion of Dartmoor and a stalwart of the Dartmoor Preservation Association during its great campaigning years. He was responsible for getting William Crossing’s books back into print. Brian recruited me into the DPA when I was sixteen…

Let’s Walk Together, say Ramblers

Let’s Walk Together partnership fronted by Jimmy Doherty  The Ramblers today launches Let’s Walk Together, a new online campaign to encourage people to pledge to walk in 2022, enjoying the simple pleasures and wellbeing boost of walking outdoors.   Following the recent explosion of interest in exploring Britain’s natural beauty on foot, the Let’s Walk Together campaign will be fronted by television presenter and farmer Jimmy…

Give Hedgehogs the Right to Roam