Volunteers have now surveyed over 750km of paths in Carmarthenshire as part of the Pathways Partnership project between Ramblers Cymru and Carmarthenshire County Council.
With over 2,500km of public rights of way in the county, the Carmarthenshire Pathways Partnership project recruits, trains and supports volunteers to survey paths and provide up to date information about the path network, report issues and carry out minor maintenance tasks.
After 18 months of surveying, 95 volunteers have covered a total of 750km of public rights of way. This huge achievement is the equivalent of walking half the length of the Wales coastal path. The invaluable data will support funding bids to resolve issues and undertake path improvement projects.
So far 8km of path have been improved in and around Carmel, as well over 50 issues being resolved across the county. Carmarthenshire County Council have been awarded £28,060 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to undertake path improvements on volunteer surveyed paths, which will result in over 100 issues being resolved and at least 10km of path being improved.
Volunteer Chris said “as someone who enjoys walking in the countryside, I feel it is important to be able to access as many of our public footpaths as possible. Volunteering for the Pathways Partnership Project gave me the opportunity to contribute to this goal. Taking part has been an enjoyable experience and to see some of the improvements that have been made, including to some of the paths I have surveyed, has been very satisfying.”
The project is now looking for more volunteers to get them over their 1,000km target by March 2026. Those interested in joining the volunteer team, and receiving full training on how to survey their local paths, can contact amy.goodwin@ramblers.org.uk or visit https://www.ramblers.org.uk/news/pathways-partnership-carmarthenshire for more information.
The Pathways Partnership project is jointly funded between the National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All and Carmarthenshire County Council via the Welsh Government Access Improvement Grant.
