Local walkers invited to test out routes for on-foot travel

People who like getting out and about are invited to try out the local sections of a national network of walking routes.

The routes were drafted by volunteers all over the country, using maps of pathways, trails and roads, during the first lockdown a year ago.

While there are countless paths around Great Britain, there wasn't a comprehensive network for people wanting to walk off-road between towns and cities. The Slow Ways initiative aims to provide ways of getting from A to B on foot.

The routes have been worked out, but so far, they haven't been put to the test to make sure they're accurate, safe and accessible.

Now, the team behind the 'Slow Ways' initiative is looking for people to walk the routes and provide feedback via their website. They can add photos, descriptions, and tips for other walkers.

In this area there are walking routes connecting Sidmouth with Colyton, Seaton, Budleigh Salterton and Ottery St Mary.

How the Slow Ways initiative began

Dan Raven-Ellison started the Slow Ways initiative last year, just before the country went into lockdown.

He said: "The Slow Ways walking network will be something we can all enjoy for generations to come. Working from their living rooms and kitchens, volunteers have done an incredible job of drafting the network, but now we need to make sure it works on the ground, quite literally.

"To do that, we need people to head out and walk all the proposed routes to check them.

"Making use of country paths, under-used ways and city streets, the idea is to make it easier for people to plan walking journeys between neighbouring places and combine routes to go on longer distance walks.

"Some people will use Slow Ways to simply see friends in neighbouring towns. Others will use them to get to a festival, for a walking challenge to raise money for charity, or as time to reflect while exploring nature.

"Millions of us love walking - it's such a simple thing, and it benefits so many of us in so many different ways. What if we had a proper national walking network that inspired more people to walk more often, further, and for more purposes?"

Find out more by visting the Slow Ways website.