Some of us on the committee think there may be members who would like to be walking together with others, but who haven’t been able to do so much since lockdown. If we provide an official Ramblers’ walk we have to advertise it, and perhaps bring along more people we don’t usually meet – so it seems better to make this an invitation event. If more than 10 members want to walk with us, we will consider repeating the event on a future evening. If the weather forecast becomes dire we’ll aim to rearrange during the following week.
So for Thursday 6th August we plan to set off from the roadside parking places opposite the Berkswell Reading Rooms (Meriden Road) CV7 7BB at 6.30pm. Janet L will lead 5 members clockwise, and John P will lead 5 more members anti-clockwise. Obviously, we’ll pass each other somewhere near midway, around Nailcote – we can keep socially distant throughout the walk.
The whole walk should be around 2 and a half hours so please bring some water; stout shoes should be sufficient, or boots. There are 30 gates (mostly metal) and 3 stiles on the route; many walkers won’t need to touch them all and it’s suggested that gloves or hand sanitiser are used where necessary. We should not share equipment or food; carrying a face covering is recommended in case of an incident.
If you’d like to come along please email janet@coventryramblers.org.uk by Monday 3rd August. Our reply will confirm if you’ve been included in one of the groups for the walk.
Coronavirus – new official guidance for rights of way
If you’re exercising in your local countryside, act responsibly. Always remember to follow the Countryside Code and don’t travel unnecessarily.
9 April 2020
The Ramblers have been in regular contact with DEFRA and Natural England about the widespread reports of illegal closures of public rights of way amid fears that the public and landowners could be exposed to the new coronavirus while using a public right of way.
Defra has released new guidance for public rights of way during coronavirus pandemic.
The full text of the approved guidance is below. If you come across any obstructions or closures while you are taking your daily exercise please report these to the highway authority.
Public Rights of Way and Covid-19
The government’s priority is to save lives and the best way to protect yourself and others from illness is to stay at home.
However, exercise is still important for people’s physical and mental wellbeing, so the government has said people can leave their homes for exercise once a day.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and Country Land and Business Association (CLA) have told us that some landowners are still concerned about increased use of public rights of way on their property increasing the risk to livestock, such as instances of gates being left open and dogs not being controlled.
To help address this we will publish a supplementary video on social media in advance of this weekend, reminding people to follow the Countryside Code. This will be published on Twitter @DefraGovUK and Defra’s Facebook page. We encourage you to share this with your members and networks.
Finally, further concerns have been raised by stakeholders that the use of public rights of way that run through gardens, farmyards and schools is increasing the risk of exposure to the coronavirus to residents and farm workers.
The risk of the coronavirus being passed on to others from people using public rights of way and other paths and trails is considered to be very low as long as people follow the Government’s instructions to maintain social distancing.
Landowners do not have the legal right to block or obstruct public rights of way. However, in very limited circumstances where large numbers of people are using such routes, landowners may consider the following measures:
- tying gates open if it is safe to do so, so that walkers do not need to touch the gate.
- temporarily displaying polite notices that encourage users to respect local residents and workers by following social distancing guidelines and consider using alternativeroutes that do not pass through gardens, farmyards or schools. Note: this is a polite request only, and there is no power under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 for landowners to close or obstruct a public right of way
- offering an alternative route around gardens and farmyards only where it is safe to do so (you must gain permission from relevant landowners and make sure the route is safe for users and livestock) provided that the original right of way is maintained.
Key points to Note under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW):
- Under Section 39 of CROW it is an offence to fail to comply with an order of the Magistrate’s Court to remove an obstruction. So a landowner must not obstruct any right of way.
- It is an offence under section 14 of CROW to display a notice that contains “any false or misleading information likely to deter the public from exercising” a right of way.
- Landowners may be liable for personal injury under section 13 (6C) of CROW if they are reckless or intend to create a risk – for example by offering a dangerous alternative.
This means that:
- If a land owner offers an alternative route, they must ensure that it is safe to use and that the existing right of way is maintained so that users with differing abilities have a choice.
- A notice must not imply that there is any doubt about the use of the existing right of way.
These temporary measures must be lifted as soon as social distancing measures are relaxed.
Please visit our website for full guidance on walking at the current time: Coronavirus – the latest Ramblers advice for supporters, members and volunteers.
Navigation Training Courses
MAP READING & NAVIGATION COURSES FOR WALKERS
The next batch of courses starts on January 27th 2020.
These courses have been a feature for a good few years, and many have benefited from them. They are run with the support of the Ramblers. Courses focus on appropriate skill levels of the National Navigation Award Scheme (see NNAS website). Programmes are mainly practical and based around South Birmingham and Warwickshire.
WEEKDAY COURSE: 3 sessions that run from 10am until 2pm and the cost in total will be £30.
WEEKEND COURSE (Sat): 2 sessions that run from 10am until 4pm and the cost in total will be £30.
Anyone interested will be put on a course list and then suitable dates and days will be arranged for the courses.
If you are interested or have any queries please ask derek.jones@blueyonder.co.uk (0121 744 7881)
Typical Level 1 course for beginners and improvers; suitable for any walkers who wish to increase their map reading skills so as to be able to navigate with confidence – includes map reading, compass skills, basic navigation techniques; leading to Bronze level in National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS). Tuition is 12 hours in total.
Names are also being collected for Level 2 course which is suitable for those who already have first level skills.
Derek Jones, Trainer/Assessor
Have you registered?
Have you registered?
When you joined the Ramblers, you provided some basic information, such as your home address, phone number and email address. To allow us to communicate with our Coventry Group Members effectively, it’s important to keep this information accurate and up to date. If the information changes, you can update your account information online. If you have any queries about your mailing preferences please call The Ramblers on 020 7339 8595 (9.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday) or email membership@ramblers.zendesk.com.
As a rambler, do you take advantage of your membership benefits? Register your membership online you can enjoy:
- Discounts and offers on walk books, hiking gear and Ramblers Holidays.
- All the Walk Magazine back issues.
- Ramblers Routes, our online library of over 2,500 inspiring routes for walkers to follow.
- Free map hire from our map library.
Update/amend personal details including your email address
1. Go to www.ramblers.org.uk>
- Select Register on top panel (If you haven’t registered before, you need your membership card ready)
or
- Select Login on top panel (If you have previously registered with the Ramblers Website)
2. Once logged in, Click Update Profile >
Select Personal Details / Address and Telephone No. / Email address and Password / Your Group / Contact Preference (with drop down menu) and make appropriate changes.
3. Click Update when you are happy with the changes.
Fit and Healthy
Fit and Healthy, Physically and Mentally – Wear out your soles while replenishing your soul.
What better way to keep physically and mentally fit and healthy? Stress reduction guarantee!
Walking is an excellent form of exercise which can keep you fit and active and improve your mental health.
Try a dose of walking and find out how it changes to a better life.
Ramblers Charity England & Wales No: 1093577 Scotland No: SC039799
