Newsletter | Guisborough U3A, 10+

RAMBLERS CLEVELAND GROUP NEWSLETTER, AUGUST 2024

Walkers have generally benefited when a Labour government is in power. Following years of

campaigning by the Ramblers the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) act, also known as the

“Right to Roam”, came into force in 2000. Then in 2009 the Marine and Coastal Access Act mandated

the creation of a continuous walking route along the entire English coastline. The first section

opened in 2012 and when complete it will be the world’s longest continuous coastal trail, at 2700

miles. In our area the section from Filey Brigg to Berwick-upon-Tweed is already open.

Ramblers are now calling on the new government to end the threat to unrecorded public rights of

way. In 2023, the Conservative Government announced it would be implementing a deadline of 2031

to save the 41,000 miles of lost paths in England. After that date it will no longer be possible to claim

rights of way in England based on historic evidence. The Welsh government has already started the

process of scrapping the deadline.

Locally the long running saga of the obstructed Elton footpath is still awaiting action by the Legal

Services department of Stockton Borough Council.

We agreed to footpath diversions at Highcliffe Farm, Guisborough as we consider that they are

beneficial to walkers. Paths through the farm will be replaced by a route round the edge of Hutton

Wood and will provide another access to the Cleveland Way from the west of Highcliffe Nab.

For many years Redcar & Cleveland council have looked at ways of extending the Guisborough

Branch Walkway to Nunthorpe. Walkers can continue to Nunthorpe by a route which involves

crossing the railway line, but there is no legal route for riders. Now as part of the Guisborough

Levelling Up Programme an active travel route is planned. We have expressed concern that the

provision of a hard surface could turn it into a race track for cyclists. Redcar & Cleveland involvement

extends as far as the end of the existing walkway, with the remainder of the route the responsibility

of Tees Valley Combined Authority. Work is scheduled to begin late 2024/early 2025 with a

completion date of March 2026.

If you use the car park at Clay Bank you should be aware that Forestry England has recently

introduced charges. Details are on their website:

Our group walks continue to be well supported. The programme is available on the website:

You can also contact the walks co-ordinator, Pauline Leyshon, on 07894 958001.

SITUATIONS VACANT

Chair. The present incumbent, Mike Collier, wishes to step down but will continue as Treasurer.

Footpath Officer for Stockton (advertised previously).

Please get in touch if you may be able to help with either