I’m keen on any thing that helps people get out there and enjoy our countryside, but, shouldn’t the focus be on making those problematic paths passable? I know there will be some that are too steep or too rocky for people, so it is good that walkers can be made aware of this, but a PROW that is too dense of vegetation or muddy? These pass should be made accessible and I would rather the councils clamp down on that so it’s much easier for everyone to walk on paths they are entitled to be on. Signage should be a lot clearer too.
That's a good point, but there seems no reason why these things are mutually exclusive - in assessing a route, badly maintained paths can be communicated to the local council. Of course whether they do anything is a different matter.
[/size]How far is the average member of the public prepared to walk? Is there a worthwhile destination within that distance? How do they get back? Using public transport is not recommended at present so they will have to walk back which reduces the range by half until such time recreational use of PT is encouraged. Then we have the issue of ground conditions, crossing obstacles and livestock.
A walk to my local town would be at least a 25 mile round trip, probably more. I have no reason to go there except to shop. The best walks in my area are not village to village but circular walks, often not involving conurbations.
How far - I don't know, but plenty of people round here were out during lockdown pounding the pavements and fields, so there seemed to be a willingness to have a go.
Worthwhile destination - very subjective - for some this may be a look round a nearby town, or to visit a cafe. I often walk locally when the forecast is crappy for the hills on a weekend.
Public transport - presumably the project is hoping one day we might be able to get back on the bus?
Ground conditions etc - this is what the project is designed to assess - safe and walkable and pleasant. And it may identify issues with access too.
Your local walks - you live in the country, many don't.
I don't see a down side to this and I hope it gains traction.