The Brecon & Radnor Express 23rd October 2008
The Future of Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail
Members of the Offa's Dyke Path Liaison Group following their meeting in October.
Representatives from the Countryside Council for Wales, Natural England, local authorities and other stakeholders met this week to discuss the future of the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail.
The annual meeting allows bodies involved in the management and promotion of the Trail to reflect on the past year and look forward to future work plans and projects.
Rob Dingle, Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail Officer said: “We are now in the second year of managing Offa’s Dyke Path in line with the new ‘Quality Standards for National Trails in Wales’. Thanks to the new standards the entire length of the Trail is being improved. Funding from the Countryside Council for Wales and Natural England is also being directed to priority projects.”
On behalf of the Managing Authorities, Stuart Mackintosh Powys County Council Countryside Manager said “ National Trails are a very important part of the rights of way network for all the local authorities who look after them. Offa’s Dyke Path provides real benefits for the local economy and directly benefit peoples health and well being, both of which are key issues for authorities up and down the Trail.”
Margaret Jones, CCW’s National Trail Officer said: “The benefits of National Trails can only truly be realized and enjoyed through effective partnerships. The work delivered through the Offa’s Dyke Path Liaison Committee is an excellent example of cross border working and co-operation.”
Offa’s Dyke Path, a linear route of 177 miles, begins at Sedbury Cliffs, overlooking the Severn Estuary in Gloucestershire, and ends at Prestatyn beach in Denbighshire. The National Trail passes through vast ranges of landscapes from river valley and high moor to farming country and forestry. Its journey takes you through nine Local Authorities, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Brecon Beacons National Park, as well as a number of small towns.