Have you seen a stile like this?




Where is the path now?
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Drainage problem?

The Adlington path before ...
... and after!

Footpath Work

The East Cheshire Group of the Ramblers has been in existence since 1972. As well as organising walks led by competent leaders, some members also inspect footpaths which are public rights of way with a view to ensuring they are kept unobstructed and in good repair.

The Group has a team of people known as Footpath Inspectors who volunteer to walk every footpath in a given area (usually a Parish Council area) at least once a year and categorize the footpath as:-
A - GOOD - no problems
B - ACCEPTABLE - some action desirable eg. more waymarks
C - USABLE WITH DIFFICULTY - action required eg. missing fingerpost by roadside
D - OBSTRUCTED

There are currently 29 Footpath Inspectors reporting on over 1200 footpaths. Details of each inspection are entered into a database held by the Group. Where problems are found the Inspector reports the position to Cheshire East local authority and to the Group's Footpath Committee. Committee members liaise directly with the Public Rights of Way staff of Cheshire East to pursue the problems arising.

Problems could include:

  • Paths threatened with closure such as those affected by the A34 Bypass
  • Applications from landowners to divert or close footpaths
  • Obstructed footpaths
  • Footpaths in need of repair
  • Signposting of footpaths

Committee members consider improvements to the footpath network or try to reinstate old footpaths. Within the total footpath activity there is plenty of scope for individual members of the Ramblers to undertake interesting projects that can give great personal satisfaction and make a contribution to the public good. You don't need to be an expert and you can learn by joining an experienced hand in the field. Anyone interested in knowing more about Footpath Inspectors should contact the for further information.

Text by Alan Catherall with contributions and photos from other members of the Footpath Committee.


Obtaining a new Public Right of Way

The East Cheshire Group has members who annually inspect footpaths which are Rights of Way to ensure that stiles and signposts are in good order and that obstructions on the path are removed. We also seek to claim new Rights of Way for paths which have been used by the public but not dedicated as Rights of Way. For an example of this work click here to download an article by Joyce Blanchard.

Using the Interactive Map

The Cheshire East interactive map is a valuable tool for footpath workers - for a tutorial to get you started, go to "News & Views/Handy Hints".

Improvements to a path in Adlington

A small donation for materials has secured a major improvement to an Adlington path. The junction of Adlington Footpath 21 and Footpath 24, north of Whiteley Green, at the memorial signpost to Bill Shercliff was notoriously muddy. The East Cheshire Group of the Ramblers approached Adlington Estates and they very kindly offered to carry out the work if we supplied the materials. We arranged for six tons of broken-brick base material to be delivered to site and this was promptly spread and compacted. If only all landowners were as helpful and co-operative!

Footpath Reports

For a trial period, an updated version of the 'Footpath Report to Main Committee' based on the Minutes of the Footpath Committee can be found in the password-protected Members' Area.