NEW metal gates are to replace wooden stiles located on footpaths around Ross-on-Wye.

Over the past 20 months, the enhancement of local footpaths has been undertaken by Ross Walkers are Welcome by installing 80 of these high-quality metal gates along the Herefordshire Trail and other key locations, with the objective of creating a ‘Miles Without Stiles’ network to enable improved access to our beautiful countryside.

The installation of the new gates is being carried out by the Ross Walker’s own volunteer group, the Herefordshire Ramblers, who have just taken delivery of 51 new fences, and along with other volunteers and private contractors.

The initiative has received tremendous support from landowners, local parish footpaths officers and Herefordshire Council’s public rights of way department.

The project, which has been funded by the Wye Valley Natural Landscape Partnership (formerly the AONB) / Defra Access for All.

Over the coming months, the latest delivery of gates will be installed in Fownhope, Goodrich, Marstow, Mordiford, Sollers Hope, Upton Bishop and Woolhope.

Feedback from a variety of walkers, dog-owners and landowners has been overwhelmingly positive due to the ease of using local footpaths, clear visibility of routes, self-closing mechanisms to protect livestock, and the professional installation of the gates.

The group is now working on developing more stile-free walking routes for all abilities and finding the best ways to share them.

Ross Walkers are Welcome is a small enabling group of walking enthusiasts dedicated to promoting local walking and ensuring that the experience for walkers is the best it can be.

The group is part of a national network of over 100 Walkers are Welcome towns where walking is promoted to enhance the economic and social benefits of walking locally.

For more information about the group or to get involved visit walkinginross.co.uk.