Westminster clamours for city escapes
An inner-city London project, run by the Ramblers, to introduce people to the joys of country walking has been enjoying huge popularity. The Westminster council-funded scheme, called It’s My Country, provides residents of Harrow Road Ward with free excursions to the countryside and stately homes, which are becoming fully booked weeks in advance.
All the trips are led by local Ramblers volunteers, who have been taken aback by how satisfying they’ve found it. “It’s been a privilege to see how excited and enthusiastic people have been,” said Sara Coy of the Met Ramblers who’s been involved with the project since it started in October.
Most of the participants are first-time walkers and more than three-quarters are from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. They’ve become more adventurous as the weeks have progressed: from an initial stroll around Hampstead Heath, the participants are now suggesting their own outings to areas beyond the M25.
“It’s My Country will culminate at the end of March with an overnight trip to the New Forest,” said Tom Moulton, the Ramblers’ everyday walking officer. “But the enthusiasm for walking within the groups is so great, I’m sure they’ll continue to walk with the Ramblers afterwards.” For more info, visit www.ramblers.org.uk/Walking/Projects/England/itsmycountry
