Footpaths and the walking environment

The Ramblers' Association believes that public rights of way (footpaths, bridleways, byways) are a vital resource for everyone. They offer opportunities for healthy exercise, enjoyment of the countryside, and contact with nature.

Why are footpaths important?

• Health and well-being: Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay fit and healthy. Access to well-maintained footpaths encourages people to get outdoors and be active.
• Access to the countryside: Footpaths provide access to beautiful landscapes that might otherwise be inaccessible. They allow people to explore, appreciate, and connect with the natural world.
• Community and social connection: Walking groups and paths can foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for social interaction.
• Local heritage: Many footpaths are ancient routes, forming part of our local history and heritage.

Threats to footpaths

Despite their importance, footpaths are under constant threat from:

• Encroachment: Landowners sometimes build fences, walls, or other structures that block or obstruct public rights of way.
• Neglect and disrepair: Lack of maintenance can lead to overgrown paths, damaged stiles, and unsafe crossings, making them difficult or impossible to use.
• Damage: Misuse of paths, such as by off-road vehicles, can cause significant damage.
• Changes to the law: Legislation can sometimes make it harder to protect and record footpaths.

What The Ramblers do

The Ramblers are dedicated to protecting and expanding the network of footpaths for the benefit of everyone. We:

• Campaign: We lobby government and local authorities to protect and improve footpaths.
• Maintain paths: Our volunteers work tirelessly to clear overgrown vegetation, repair stiles and bridges, and ensure paths are accessible.
• Record paths: We research historical records to identify and legally protect lost paths.
• Educate: We raise awareness about the importance of footpaths and how people can help protect them.

How you can help

• Join The Ramblers: Your membership subscription helps fund our vital work. Find out more at www.ramblers.org.uk.
• Volunteer: Join our local group and get involved in path maintenance and surveying. Contact us for details.
• Report problems: If you find a blocked or damaged footpath, please report it to us and your local authority.
• Walk responsibly: Stick to the paths, close gates behind you, and keep dogs under control.

Together, we can ensure that our footpaths remain open and accessible for generations to come.

The Footpath and Walking Environment sub-committee (FPAWE)’s role is to carry forward, in Hampshire, the Ramblers’ charitable objectives relating to rights of way, access to the countryside and the protection and enhancement of the walking environment.

It provides:

• Advice and guidance to the Area Council on all footpath, access and walking environment matters in the Area.
• Co-ordination of the work of the individual Hampshire Groups by making representations on behalf of the Area Council to the highway and local planning authorities, to Ramblers Central Office and to other external bodies where appropriate.

The FPAWE sub-committee has developed a range of guidance to explain how the Area’s objectives are implemented and to advise volunteers on how they should approach the tasks.

Sub-committee meetings

The Sub-Committee meets three times a year to co-ordinate the work of protecting rights of way in Hampshire. Members have agreed that each Group should identify the most important matter that needs to be dealt with in their territory. Read the current version (PDF).