This January Britain’s Walking Charity needs you. The Ramblers are recruiting ‘Mystery Walkers’ from across the country to help test the state of footpaths in England and Wales.

Similar to a mystery shopper, the Ramblers are looking for volunteers to walk their local footpaths and complete a short survey about the condition of the paths and their enjoyment of the walk. The aim of the scheme is to produce a map of the best and worst places to walk across the country, highlighting which local authorities’ paths are unwalkable, as well as congratulating those who are doing a good job.

Just by walking our footpaths we help to keep them open and usable for future walkers and with local authority cuts affecting rights of way departments across the country, there’s never been a more important time for us all to do our bit to protect the traditional British stroll.

Anastasia French, Ramblers Campaigns Officer, said:

“Mystery Walkers will help us to get a clear picture of the state of footpaths across the length and breadth of England and Wales. “This information will help us to work with councils to improve the footpath network so that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from walking, wherever they are.

Anastasia French also added:

“Volunteering has never been more pleasant, just by going for a short local walk you can help to play your part to protect the future of our footpaths.”

For more information or to register for the Mystery Walker scheme go to: www.ramblers.org.uk