RAMBLERS in Meirionnydd are encouraging walkers to help them complete a GPS survey of the walks on offer in this part of the world.

Harry Richmond of the Meirionnydd Group of Ramblers Cymru, was out recently using his smart phone as a GPS device to survey a footpath near Llyn Celyn, and said: “Carrying out surveys has taken me down many roads and along many paths that are new to me — a real eye opener to the stunning environment of mid Gwynedd.”

Harry is taking part in Pathwatch, a project run by Ramblers GB to survey footpaths throughout Wales and England.

He is using a smartphone app to record good and not-so-good features seen on the paths — the photograph demonstrates the excellent signage which is common in Gwynedd.

The ramblers’ aim is to create a comprehensive report, as part of a campaign for the upkeep of Public Footpaths for all of us to use, whether taking a short cut to the shops or walking for enjoyment in the countryside.

Members of Ramblers Cymru throughout Wales are undertaking these Pathwatch surveys (when the weather allows), but everyone can join in to help the project.

Details can be found at www.ramblers.org.uk. Don’t worry if you don’t have a smartphone, as there is a paper based version of Pathwatch as well. But you’ll need to be quick – the project will soon be drawing to a close.

The Meirionnydd group of Ramblers Cymru organise regular walks ranging from easy four-mile rambles through to strenuous 10+ mile long hikes.

All are welcome to join these walks; details of future walks can be seen either in the weekly article in the Cambrian News or at www.meirionnyddramblers.org.uk. You can also see other more general information about the group here together with contact details.