Walking Festival supports path improvements

This year’s walking festival in North Devon and Exmoor was the most successful yet. It attracted 500 people over the nine day festival. Sixty-eight guided walks were on offer, most of which were fully booked.

Each ticket for a walk included a donation of 50p. This donation goes towards improving the paths network in North Devon and Exmoor. This year £552.50 was raised and a cheque given to the Exmoor National Park Authority’s ‘CareMoor for Exmoor’ environmental support fund. This money will go towards upgrading stiles to bridle gates, making paths on Exmoor more easily walked by all abilities.

Bryan Cath, the festival co-ordinator said Each year the festival has raised money for improvements which have included the Tarka Trail and repairs to a small clapper bridge upstream from Tarr Steps. It is fitting the walking festival helps towards preserving and improving the paths network that walkers are so reliant on for their enjoyment.”

Accepting the cheque on behalf of the Authority Dan James, Sustainable Economy Officer, added We are very grateful that the North Devon and Exmoor walking festival has chosen to contribute to ‘CareMoor for Exmoor’ this year. In recent years over £15,000 has been raised thanks to the support of businesses and events like the North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival. All such donations are used to help fund Conservation, Archaeology, Rights of Way and Enjoyment projects throughout Exmoor”

Next year’s festival is already in the making and will take place from Thursday 30th April to Friday 8th May 2009. The festival brochure should be available in time for Christmas and will be in Millets and Blacks outdoor shops throughout the south-west and in other outdoor shops as well. If you want to be sure of getting your own copy then call 01271 883131 to get your name added to the mailing list. Or you can watch the festival web site for new details at www.walkingnorthdevon.co.uk.

For further information on ‘CareMoor for Exmoor’ and opportunities to support the vital work of enhancing the special qualities of Exmoor call Dan James on 01398 322234.