My name is Doug Landman and I am a member of the Great Chalk Way group, a group set up to re-create the oldest prehistoric coast to coast walk in Britain, consisting of the Wessex Ridgeway, the Ridgeway, the Icknield Way, and the Peddars Way, which stretches 375 miles between Lyme Regis in Dorset and Holme-Next-The-Sea in Norfolk.
We formally launched this family of routes in October 2024 and have organisations along the route dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the paths that are used by walkers, joggers, horse riders, and cyclists. Most of those involved are volunteers and we are now reaching out to you in the hope that you and/or someone you know will step forward to become involved in establishing a voluntary group to work with local organisations along the Wessex Ridgeway to look after it, since there is no such body at the moment and there is a desperate need for such.
Having walked the entire route myself, I can say first-hand that it is an epic route that is rich in history and landscapes and makes every step you take worthwhile. Please think about getting involved and, if you wish to find out any more about this, please do not hesitate to e-mail me at Doug.Landman [at] ntlworld.com. [not a link to minimise spam] I very much hope to hear from you soon.
What are we asking?
- We are seeking to form a group of volunteers who can maintain and promote the Wessex Ridgeway working in conjunction with a range of stakeholders, including Dorset Council, Wiltshire Council, Ramblers, BHS, Forestry England, National Trust, etc.
- The volunteers may be involved in walking/checking the route, updating the guides, waymarking the route and/or working with stakeholders to improve the accessibility. So, within the group there is a range of desk-based activities and field-based activities.
- Initially need to formally establish the group, then contact stakeholders, determine priorities and develop a plan of actions
Many thanks and best wishes to you all, Doug Landman.