A welcome boost puts Barnard Castle on national walking map

BARNARD Castle has become the first town in County Durham to be accredited as a “Walkers Are Welcome” town.
It is hoped that this will help to promote the town as a vibrant and attractive walking centre, generate interest in local attractions and boost the local economy by bringing more visitors to the town.
Accreditation means that Barnard Castle will be part of a nationwide network of more than 120 towns and villages across the country and will be included on the national Walkers Are Welcome website.
The aim is to appeal to walkers by providing top quality information on local walks, offering excellent walking opportunities for residents and visitors, as well as ensuring footpaths and facilities are maintained, improved and well-signposted.
The health benefits of walking will also be promoted and the scheme seeks to encourage the development and use of public transport.
Peter Singer, secretary of the Barnard Castle Walkers Are Welcome steering group, said: “We are all really delighted that we have achieved the accreditation.
“We are a small group of volunteers and it has taken a year of hard work to have our application accepted, so it’s a real red-letter day for us.
“We are committed to making the scheme work for the benefit of the town and all its residents, local businesses and visitors and we are grateful for the support we have received from the Durham County Council members’ initiative fund of councillors Richard Bell and Ted Henderson.
“There is a lot of work ahead to turn the concept into reality, but we are looking forward to the challenge.
“Look out for the Walkers are Welcome bootprint logo appearing in the windows of local shops and businesses and for the events and walks that we hope to be organising later in the year.
“We have such wonderful walking in Teesdale and we want to encourage everyone to enjoy it.”
Allan Rayner, chairman of the group, added: “This is great news for us and for Barney.
“We will now be part of a wider walking community and it offers an easy way for people to find out about the town when they are planning a walking trip or holiday.
“We would also very much like to take this opportunity to ask anyone interested to
consider joining us as a volunteer.
“This could be as a member of the steering group or just helping out with specific projects.
“There’s plenty of scope for people to do as much or as little as they feel able. Any help at all would be very much appreciated.”
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with Barnard Castle Walkers Are Welcome should contact Allan Rayner at email john
allanrayner@gmail.com or phone 07833 921334.