Volunteers walk over 300 miles to check out 1,469 of Rochdale borough footpaths

Volunteers walk over 300 miles to check out 1,469 of Rochdale borough footpaths

In just under 17 weeks, a band of volunteers walked over 300 miles and checked out 1,469 of Rochdale borough footpaths.

Roy Thorniley, Footpath and Countryside Secretary, The Ramblers, Rochdale Group said: “A big well done to everybody involved and thank you.

“Whilst I am pleased to report that nearly 1,300 of our paths are considered fit for purpose 171 paths (11%) do require attention with 58 obstructed by landowners, 12 totally overgrown and inaccessible, 69 with damaged stiles, gates, roadside footpath signs and path furniture and 32 paths generally overgrown and in need of some attention.

“Clearing the obstructions and improving the network will take time. We have already submitted 22 reports to the council and over the next few weeks and months we hope to clear the backlog. The task has been divided up.”

"A number of groups are working together to improve and report on the borough footpaths, John Oliver, Footpath Secretary with the Rochdale CHA Rambling Club will take responsibility for Middleton, Heywood and Rochdale. Martin Riley, Footpath Officer with the Peak and Northern Footpath Society will cover Milnrow, and Rochdale Ramblers will take responsibility of Littleborough and Wardle.

"We have been supported by the Great British Public, the Peak and Northern Footpath Society, the Friends of Hollingworth Lake, the Friends of Alkrington Woods, the Wardle Society, the Birtle Trust, the Friends of Wince Brook, the Rochdale CHA Rambling Club, the Slip Inn Walkers of Milnrow, the Saddleworth Pedestrians, the Littleborough and Milnrow Over 50s Walking Club, members of the Councils Green Volunteers team, local councillors and Rochdale Council."