So on the one hand that definitely sounds like the epitome of a vanity project in these straitened times of austerity. But if we want to be serious about getting cars off the road we need this sort of rail network. The financial benefits seem persuasive but what about the cost to the environment? And then I think who cares – in a coupla hundred years the route will make great walks for future ramblers just like Julia Bradbury’s Canal Walks not to mention her Railway Walks.

Of course it’s not only historic forms of transport that find themselves transformed into walks, routes and treks. I don’t s’pose that when Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of his 120 km defensive fortification that runs from Wallsend to Bowness on Solway he envisaged it being one of the premier UK walking attractions a couple of thousand years later. And even earlier Qin Shi Huang didn’t begin the building of China’s Great Wall so numerous charities could host sponsored walks on it centuries later. Mark Thomas certainly seems to share this view.

He’s probably the first person to have the honour of walking the length of Israel’s West Bank barrier and just like the examples above he’s sees a future of tea shops, souvenirs and tour guides for the fence that when finished will career across about 723 kms of land. So next time you’re out for a countryside stroll this comedian has recently finished a countrywide walk. He’s written a book about it – Extreme Rambling – you can buy it on the internet of course, but if you’re old school it is available in all good (and bad presumably) book shops now. Being a standup he’s also on tour telling his stories from the walk.

I went to see him at Kilburn’s Tricycle Theatre (hurry his residency finishes Saturday 28 May) and he’s definitely an accomplished anecdotalist who creates instantly accessible characters. Despite mocking himself repeatedly as a bourgeois radical there’s no doubt that in full stride (see what I did there) he’s tremendously powerful and I left feeling humbled by the length some people will go to make such a worthwhile point.

Earlier in the day I’d exercised my democratic privilege and wasted my time by voting yes to AV. It was all I could do to stop myself scrawling ‘it’s jokes like this that make us all despise you Clegg’ across the ballot paper. But in the privacy of the booth I thought, ‘like whatever’, shrugged, gritted my teeth and put my X in the YES box. Later on in the day I couldn’t help thinking that some gestures are just so much more profound than others.

While not quite meeting the high standards of activism set by Mark Thomas it is still important to engage, albeit prosaically, with the machinations of the Coalition Government. Hiding behind the smokescreen of pausing to listen they are currently conducting A Red Tape Challenge. I strongly urge you all to follow the link below and tell them to keep their hands off all the incredibly important pieces of environmental legislation that function brilliantly by protecting and preserving the things we care passionately about and are as far removed from red tape as it is possible to get. So far the government seems to have little resistance in parliament and the reforms that have foundered – the NHS, forest sell-off – are a result of public outcry.

And finally having endured months of the public national fawning that accompanied the Royal Wedding I couldn’t help thinking about the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee upcoming next year, 2012. Deciding the whole tribute needs some balance I was considering organising some Republican Rambles to go along with it. Anyway if you think this is a good idea let me know and keep your eyes peeled (why do we say that?) for more details.

Actions:
o Red Tape Challenge
http://www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/environment/
o Ramblers press release
http://tinyurl.com/6cfu3mz

More information:
o Mark Thomas   http://www.markthomasinfo.co.uk/
o Julia Bradbury   http://www.juliabradbury.com/

Useful links:
o The Ramblers     http://www.ramblers.org.uk/
o  HS2     http://www.hs2.org.uk/
o Hadrian’s Wall    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadrian’s_Wall
o Great Wall of China   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Wall_of_China
o West Bank Barrier   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli_West_Bank_barrier
o The Tricycle Theatre   http://www.tricycle.co.uk/
o AV     http://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/article.php?id=55
o Queen’s Diamond Jubilee  http://www.visitlondon.com/events/detail/7693688

Read:
o Extreme Rambling
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=extreme+rambling&tag=yahhyd-21&index=stripbooks&hvadid=74553551031&ref=pd_sl_55b80sjql_b

Watch:
o Down with this sort of thing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT9xuXQjxMM

Listen to:
Lou Reed – Walk On The Wild Side
Kanye West – Jesus Walks
Don B – Gaza Strip
Labi Siffre – (Something Inside) So Strong (WSM Edit)
Annie Lennox – Universal Child
Sex Pistols – God Save The Queen

Newlywed HRH Prince William of Wales – himself a search-and-rescue pilot – is Patron of Mountain Rescue England and Wales and he is lending his support to the teams across the country: “Mountain rescue volunteers provide an invaluable service and do one of the bravest job imaginable,” he explains. “Whether it is a high-risk winter ice rescue or supporting a moorland search, their work saves countless lives. Running these teams involves a significant amount of commitment from the volunteers, and also major investments in training and equipment. They deserve every bit of support they can get.”

Mountain Rescue England and Wales is the national umbrella organisation for the 53 Mountain and Cave Rescue Teams operating across the country.  The mountain and cave rescue service in England and Wales is provided by around 3500 volunteers, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whatever the weather. As well as their association with the wild and wonderful uplands of England and Wales, the teams are also involved in helping those who become ill or injured in the moorlands and mountains, teams are frequently tasked to assist the police in the search of semi-urban areas for missing persons – the young, the old, the vulnerable – and they often assist the ambulance service with remote or difficult to access areas.

“I am a Patron of SARDA,” adds Ramblers president Julia Bradbury, “and I’ve been hill walking for many years now.  I’ve managed to avoid accidents but it’s comforting to know that, if things do go wrong, a local mountain rescue team is always ready to help.”

For more on Monday’s activities, visit www.mountain.rescue.org.uk

Main image: HRH Prince William after a rescue mission / MOD, SAC Dek Traylor

Where would you choose to wake up on your perfect day?
In the North, somewhere near Kielder Water or Allenheads in Northumberland. Meg, my dog, would be there, too. Although Blue Peter took me all over the world, the Durham Dales where I grew up is the place
I yearn for. Our family farm borders the most tranquil spot in England, according
to research at Newcastle University.

And who are your perfect companions?
My wife Nicola and our two children. We’d have a car full of bikes, kites, scooters, and of course a picnic.

What’s your ideal meal?
Actually, can I change my mind about the picnic and have roast beef with Yorkshire pudding at the pub? We can have the picnic later for tea.

And favourite piece of walking kit?
A map, so you don’t stray miles off public footpaths on farmland. The number of walkers we find in our yard and have to tell they’re three miles off the path!

The Ramblers is campaigning against cuts to councils’ footpath maintenance budgets – what do you think?
I’m pro paths when people stick to them and follow the countryside code. Paths are fantastic for giving people access to the countryside, but consideration needs to be shown – such as keeping dogs on a lead when walking through a field of lambing ewes.

As a father of a young family, do you have any tips on getting kids walking?
Make it fun, such as creating a treasure hunt. It’s about having an enjoyable experience, not the distance covered. Nothing’s worse than seeing adults grimly determined to clock up so many miles, while the kids trudge miserably behind.

Are townies too disconnected from how the meat on their plates gets there?
On Blue Peter I filmed a nomadic tribe who killed an animal and then bunged it in the pot. But you don’t have to butcher your own food to appreciate where it comes from. Countryfile is now BBC One’s most popular factual programme, so more people are aware of rural issues.

You’re involved with many charities, including Grace House Children’s Hospital, the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust and the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund – so what do you think of your Countryfile co-presenter Julia Bradbury becoming Ramblers president?
It’s always good to offer support and help to a cause you’re interested in. Julia’s series of Wainwright Walks was very successful, so she’ll make a very capable Ramblers president.

You showed an entrepreneurial streak as a student, touring the North East as part of a dancing group Disco Inferno…
I saw people dancing on stage at a Seventies’ disco night, and thought I could do that to earn a bit of extra cash. I set it up in Edinburgh, where I was at drama school, and discoed away. I’ve inherited an entrepreneurial spirit from my parents – I love a challenge, and I always have a project on the back burner. It’s the Northern way.

Do you enjoy a bit of disco music while you walk?
I’ve very eclectic musical tastes, but when I’m walking I’d rather listen to the birds and the wind. When my BlackBerry says ‘No Signal’, I’m delighted. I love being battered by the weather. I make a point of going out in the rain; you don’t know you’re alive until you’ve been outside.

You’ve trained as a gymnast so any tips for walkers to keep fit?
My tip is to run a mile a day and don’t commit to anything else. Keep your trainers by your bed, and do five minutes out, five minutes back, first thing. You’ll be superfit in less time than it takes to drink a cup of tea.

Interview by Susan Gray

Countryfile’s Favourite Places DVD is out now, priced £16.99

£12.99, www.frances-lincoln.com,
ISBN 978 0 71123167 2

Why did you want to be president ofthe Ramblers?
When I was approached, my gut reaction was yes and my immediate instinct was excitement because the Ramblers is such an iconic institution and I have a great passion for walking.

You’re certainly a popular choice with our readers – this is the second time you’ve been voted walk readers’ Walking Celebrity of the Year. Did that encourage you to make your decision?
It sounds dreadful, but I didn’t know! So no, I wasn’t swayed by that but I’m pleased I’ve got a slight head start as president.

You’ve done a great deal to raise the profile and appeal of walking in the media through Wainwright Walks, Coast to Coast, and Railway Walks – can you do the same with the Ramblers?
That’s exactly what I’d love to do. I know my walking programmes have inspired people to get out there and enjoy themselves in the hills and fells, and I hope I can continue sharing my enthusiasm for walking with the Ramblers. I see becoming president as an opportunity for us to move into a new era together, sharing the news that walking is quite cool and sexy, and lots of people do it.

When and how did you first get the walking bug?
I got it from my dad. He and his brother were born in Tideswell, Derbyshire, and were your archetypal outdoors explorers – tickling trout in streams, hiding in caves and generally getting muddy, dirty and into trouble in that old-fashioned way. As a result, he grew up with a great love and knowledge of the countryside, and took me walking from the age of four. I’ve walked with him more than anyone else. But my mum is more cosmopolitan – she likes cities and culture – so I’ve grown up with this double appreciation of the excitement of exploring cities and relaxing in the countryside.

Derbyshire has a great heritage for the access movement – were you aware of that growing up?
Of course – my dad told me stories about the Kinder Scout Trespass. It seems impossible to believe in our age of national parks that only 60-odd years ago, you had to fight for access to walk in these places.

How often do you go out walking?
Filming Countryfile gets me out on the road and walking every single week, and when I’m not doing that I’m doing a walking series! Even in London, I walk to meetings if I can. I love walking – it’s gorgeous on a sunny day down the King’s Road.

What’s the most memorable thing that’s happened to you on a walk?
Oh gosh, there are so many! Walks aren’t just about big achievements, they are about little moments. On a family holiday with my dad last year, we went up a small hill in Scotland called The Knock. We got about halfway up and he had to stop because his knees were tired. For the first time, he couldn’t make it to the summit with me. So, saddened, I carried on to the summit, where I took some photographs, and then turned around to see my dad popping over the top. It was such an emotional moment for me and I really hoped that it wasn’t our last summit together.

Who do you admire?
Wainwright may have been a curmudgeonly old soul but he was also an incredibly dedicated human being, and I admire the fact that he had an exact plan to write the pictorial guides to the Lakeland Fells over 13 years and then finished them a week early! Essentially, I admire driven, passionate people; people like Stephen Fry, Ranulph Fiennes and Eddie Izzard. And Joan Bakewell and Joanna Lumley are my personal broadcasting heroines.

Just how important is Britain’s heritage of footpaths to you?
We certainly do have a walking network to be envious of. I don’t know anywhere else in the world where you can pop a pin in a map of the country and find a walk within spitting distance. You can in this country, which is pretty neat.

You’ve said you want to see people of all ages walking more. What can the Ramblers do to help achieve this?
It’s just about communicating a message that walking is one of the most accessible sports or pastimes. You can urban walk or walk in the countryside, and it’s not expensive – you might need a pair of walking boots, but that’s really about it. People need to know the benefits of walking, too. A good, strong half-hour walk is as beneficially healthy and burns as many calories as a half-hour run. Which is good news for me because I’ve got dreadful knees and I’m not a runner! Then we need to show people how easy it is to build walking into their lives. You might not have time to go to the gym, but you can take the stairs instead of the lift, or walk to a meeting instead of using the bus or car. I’m not being worthy about it – we’re not a religious sect! But I get letters from people every day who have taken up walking and turned their lives around. It’s brilliant.

You’ve done some pretty extreme challenges on TV – from climbing in Ultimate Britain to hunting your own food in Kill It, Cook It, Eat It. What drives you to push yourself and are there any challenges you’d still like to do?
I’m not a complete thrill-seeker and I do get frightened and say no to things. But I think it’s important to push yourself every now and again because we can constantly surprise ourselves by what we can do and achieve. You have to keep that part of you alive, otherwise you stop growing. So I’d definitely like to walk the Himalayas and explore the effect of climate change in the region. And in the UK, there’s the Pennine Way still to go, and the Cotswold Way is another great one… I want to walk them all!

If there’s one thing you’d like to see achieved during your presidency of the Ramblers, what is it?
To heighten the awareness of the Ramblers, increase membership and, hopefully, convince people that rambling’s cool.

What’s your favourite…

…city walk?
Dublin, because it’s the city where I was born.
…countryside walk?
Castle Crag in the Lake District. It’s a tiny walk by Fells’ standards, but I absolutely love it.
…piece of walking kit?
I can’t stop buying backpacks – I love them! And I really like Mountain Hardware’s range.
…view?
Over Rutland Water reservoir from my home in Rutland.
…post-walk tipple?
Half a pint of Wainwright Ale or cider.

Following the Walk Readers Awards 2010, walk caught up with Ramblers CEO Tom Franklin, new president Julia Bradbury and some of our winners to get their best piece of walking advice. Click here for a full list of winners – as voted for by you – in this year’s Awards.

Recently voted ‘Walking Celebrity of the Year’ by walk magazine readers, Julia will act as figurehead for Ramblers, and says her main objective will be getting more people walking. “For too long walking has been associated mainly with the ‘hardcore enthusiast’ tag,” she says. “My message is that walking is for everyone – young, old, groups, singles, city, country, black, white, you name it.”

“My ambition with the Ramblers over the coming year is simple: get Britain on its feet. The country is stuffed with beautiful walks and a 130,000 mile footpath network – I want everyone to get out there and enjoy it!”

Julia’s packed portfolio of TV presenting credits include Countryfile; Wainwright’s Walks; Around the World in 80 Days; Climb Britain and Watchdog. Her fresh approach, combined with her expertise and life-long enthusiasm for walking, have earned her a name for putting the ‘zing’ back into walking.

Ramblers Chief Executive Tom Franklin comments: “In the Ramblers 75th year, our mission is to revamp walking and restore it to its proper place at the heart of everyday life, leisure and transport – no matter who you are! We want to break down the barriers to walking, whether it’s blocked paths or lack of motivation. There is no better expert at this than Julia Bradbury.”

Left: Julia with Ramblers’ CEO Tom Franklin (left) and walk editor Dominic Bates (far left).