A NEW footpath near Penparc has been made more rambler-friendly in a project led by the county council.

Together with his team of area volunteers and members of South Ceredigion Ramblers, Osian Jones, Ceredigion County Councils Rights of Way Ranger, opened up a half-kilometre stretch of footpath.

The stretch had fallen into disuse with fences and hedges making walking the route difficult and allowing vegetation to encroach.

The team installed four self-closing pedestrian gates, a few steps to allow easier access and cut back the brambles and hedges where needed along the whole route.

The funding for this project came from Ceredigion’s Rights of Way area management budget, with the Ramblers Association for the South of Ceredigion, contributing towards the gate.

Osian, who co-ordinated the project, said: “It’s very satisfying to open a route that allows a circular walk to start and end in a village. A safe and user friendly walk such as this encourages more people to be active and opens up access to a whole host of other rights of way.”

Cllr Gareth Lloyd, Cabinet member for economic and community development, said: “It is wonderful to see a group of people come together and bring a route back to life and that they utilise the moto of Caru Ceredigion. We thank Osian and the Team for giving their time and energy, with the intention that everyone look forward to enjoying time in the outdoors and use this route.”

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