New access for ramblers (From Gazette & Herald)

New access for ramblers

aAN archaeological treasure house near Malton is among scores of farms where walkers and riders can now find different routes in the Yorkshire countryside.

On DEFRA's Conservation Walks and Rides Register, there are 184 farms in the Yorkshire and the Humber region where pathways, bridleways and open access areas have been created as part of DEFRA's Countryside Stewardship and Environmentally-Sensitive Areas schemes.

Farmers and other land managers receive grants under the schemes to create access to land which would otherwise be off-limits to the public.

The free county-by-county guide sets out more than 1,600 routes and includes maps and details on wildlife, plants and scenery. There are opportunities for ramblers, horse and bike riders, families with pushchairs and people in wheelchairs.

A total of 112 walks and bridleways are listed in North Yorkshire alone, offering stunning views and rich wildlife. They embrace limestone outcrops in the Dales, wild flower pastures near Scarborough and riverside strolls in Nidderdale.

Also included is a 2.5-mile route on David Lumley's Manor Farm, East Heslerton, traversing one of the nation's most historic landscapes.The terrain has yielded archaeological remains thousands of years old.

As part of his Countryside Stewardship agreement, David Lumley is also managing grassland on a scheduled ancient monument the remains of a deserted medieval village and has created grass margins around arable fields to encourage wildlife, while laying and planting hedges.

"Everyday working on the farm is like taking a trip back in time," said David. "The fields are an open history book. It's good to be able to let other people enjoy the scenery as much as I do. The access agreement also allows ramblers to avoid using the busy A64 trunk road which runs nearby."

Copies of the register for individual counties are available free of charge from DEFRA.

The entire register can be accessed at the website http://countrywalks.defra.gov.uk or by post from Countryside Stewardship Branch, DEFRA, Area 4C, Ergon House, Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AL. Telephone (020) 7238 5909, fax: (020) 7238 6058.

Updated: 11:17 Wednesday, July 16, 2003