walkers are welcome
Prestatyn Celebrates Walking
It’s amazing what people can do when they put their heads together. 500 people sign a petition. Dozens of letters of support are sent from all over the country. And before you know it, you’ve got an award. A Walkers Are Welcome award, actually.
And that’s just why the organisers of the Prestatyn & District Festival of Walking are celebrating. The town is the first in Wales to receive a Walkers Are Welcome award. In fact, along with Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, and Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway, it’s one of just three in the whole of the UK. And the celebrations aren’t due to finish any time soon. A day-long national launch is planned for Saturday 6th October. With guest speakers and workshops. Plus, of course, some walking. And more celebrating, no doubt.
Prestatyn is already a big hit with tourists. And a big name on any walking map. Offas Dyke National Trail starts here. Or ends here. The North Wales Path, Clwydian Way and recently launched Dee Way are all here, too. But this award makes Prestatyn even more attractive to visitors. It’s an important part of towns’ regeneration plans. It means that the town’s public footpaths and rights of way can be well looked after. And way-marked trails from the town centre can be created.
The nice people at Prestatyn & District Festival of Walking hope the award will help improve Prestatyn’s reputation as a walking destination. And help promote other things, like public transport. Improve facilities for both visitors and local people. Making it a good thing all-round. The group’s Vice Chairman, Malcolm Wilkinson says he’s “delighted at the way the campaign has fired up people’s interest and enthusiasm”, he wishes to thank “all the people who signed the petition and who wrote letters of support and encouragement” and hopes it will encourage other towns in Wales to go for it, too.
To find out more, or to get involved, please contact Malcolm Wilkinson on 01745 888137 or email malcolmray@supanet.com
