Following the formation of Redspearlands Footpath Group in November 2004, we became aware of a national undertaking operating as ‘The Lost Ways Project’ (LWP), for which we promptly volunteered. The objective of LWP is to identify and record those ancient ‘ways’ having the potential to take their place on the county’s Definitive Map. This was originally created under an Act of Parliament in the early 1950s when the first national record of Public Rights of Way (RoW) was instituted.

Dalston’s RoW network was last surveyed in 1992, again as part of a national scheme having the title ‘Parish Paths Partnership’. In view of LWP’s scope, we felt it would be sensible to combine our involvement with an up-to-date survey of the condition of all the routes in the Parish. This project was no small challenge, especially for a newly formed group with few members and an unknown enthusiasm quotient. However, it was soon apparent that a sufficient number of willing bodies were available (not all of them RFG members) to get both projects off the ground. So it was, in March 2005, that the ball was set rolling.

Although the task of taking notes and filling-in forms is not everyone’s favourite pastime, it is essential to make an accurate record. Some volunteers muttered into hand-held tape recorders; others took down shorthand notes, whilst a few dictated (shouted?) to helpmates tramping alongside. The surveyors (or the helpmates) then had two four-page forms to complete when they returned home. It’s a tribute to everyone’s dedication to the task that most of the forms were accurately filled in, making it unnecessary to re-visit more than one or two routes. At a time when community groups find it ever harder to get volunteers, the fact that RFG succeeded shows the value people place on RoW, and that they regard them as worthy of preserving and maintaining.

Given the recent changes to the support of agriculture, possibly with more to follow in 2013, the government’s switch of emphasis from production-based support to an environmentally driven one creates scope for new rural businesses and farm diversification. Whilst it’s for those engaged in agriculture to discover the opportunities this challenge offers, Dalston’s RoW network provides an important framework for new enterprises to dangle from. This is one reason we found the state of our bridleways to be profoundly depressing. As the accompanying analysis shows, not one of Dalston’s bridleways can be ridden from one end to the other; yet horse ownership and small equestrian enterprises are amongst the fastest growing of the countryside’s new economy. Hats off, then, to the land managers at Blackhall Wood (NY394512 between the River Caldew and Durdar Road) for providing a superb network of permissive bridleways/conservation walks under the Environmental Stewardship Scheme. What a pity the location lies in the Parish of St.Cuthbert Without!

Likewise, walking is widely acknowledged to be the single most beneficial activity for both adults and children, influencing mental and physical health, weight control, life-span and numerous other goodies. For this reason alone, our network of footpaths has the potential to support spin-off enterprises providing imaginative walking related activities. As well as that, and for no more than the price of a pair of Wellingtons, each person in the Parish has, on their doorstep, the opportunity to explore some of the best walking country for miles around.

Redspearlands Footpath Group, with the financial support of Dalston Parish Council and Dalston and Cummersdale Neighbourhood Forum, is investing in tools and equipment to undertake a volunteer programme of footpath upkeep. This, together with the professional maintenance expertise of East Cumbria Countryside Project and Cumbria County Council’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan will, in time, result in an all-round improvement in the condition of our footpaths, bridleways and byways. By the end of the decade the Parish of Dalston should have a recreational and environmental asset second to none.

Study the survey results by clicking here.

Read a memorandum of General Observations and Recommendations about our footpaths.

An introduction to the footpath group's formation and its aims and objectives.

Two factors were instrumental in our decision to form a parish footpath group: CAP reform and Obesity. At the time, childhood obesity was very much in the news with, if I recall correctly, a projection that some present-day youngsters would be fortunate to live longer than their parents. CAP reform had long been a debating matter for our parliamentary representatives but, suddenly, things seemed to changing fast. With the Single Payment Scheme now a fact of life, farmers are faced with a number of cross compliance conditions in order to claim the single payment. This should, in the words of the Countryside Agency, "give extra protection to the environment, soil, wildlife habitats, landscapes and ensure rights of way are properly accessible." (my italics).

We, the two or three founder-members, felt that these aspects were alone sufficient justification to shake off our winter lethargy and get the thing started. The first task was to float the idea to the parish council, since it is they who, along with the highways authority, are responsible for overseeing local rights of way. The councillors reacted extremely positively and left us in no doubt that our initiative was a welcome one. Next came the formal business of becoming an entity. This, I must say, wasn't top of our agenda, but as we had already started to spend money - our own! - it was felt that we had better kick-start the kitty by applying for a grant. Having applied too late for a 2004 Parish Grant, we turned instead to the Neighbourhood Forum. Easy to apply for using their website's interactive application form, the only drawback was the necessity to have a constitution, bank account and an executive committee, none of which we had thought about. Nevertheless, with the help of NF's superb staff, all was completed on time and the grant approved at the meeting of Dalston and Cummersdale Neighbourhood Forum on 28 February 2005. (NB: The Group's Constitution can be viewed on this website by clicking here.)

If after reading this you feel inclined to join us, you will be very welcome. Details of the first part of year’s programme will appear here shortly and our membership form can be downloaded from this site. Happy walking!