This week on the Ordnance Survey blog we thought we’d have a look at one of the campaigns that has been launched by the Ramblers – the Mystery Walker Campaign.
As a nation we have thousands of miles of footpaths. As I’m sure you’ll agree – some of them are good whilst others shall we say need some attention. What the Ramblers are aiming to achieve is a database of where the good, the bad and the ugly of Britains footpaths are. What they are asking for is people to volunteer to become a mystery walker and walk around 3 to 5 miles of footpath and survey the route as they go.
Ramblers on a footpath to Whitley (OS grid reference TQ5053)
Being a mystery walker is easy and is a great way to spend an afternoon – plus it is helping to provide vital information. The reports gained help focus the efforts of local highways team on areas that need their help. Positive feedback on footpaths can also be morale boosting for over-stretched council departments and provide useful information to your fellow walkers.
If you’d like to be involved with the Mystery Walker campaign all you need to do is register your interest on the Ramblers website or call them on 020 7339 8584.
Don’t forget when you go out walking to take your Ordnance Survey map with you. The OS Explorer Maps and OS Landranger Maps show footpaths and bridleways for you to explore. If you are looking for inspiration of where to go for a walk – have a look at the explore portal where fellow walkers, ramblers and cyclists have recommended routes for you. If you do a mystery walk for the Ramblers – why not include the route on explore are share your experience?
Photograph from Geograph (David Anstiss).