PAGE 1

THE CHARITY WORKINGFOR WALKERS

WelshISSUE 67

Ramblers Cymru is calling fornew funding for public paths,

in particular for the new localauthority path improvement plans.The new funding will need to come fromthe Welsh Assembly, which together with theexisting local authority funds should bring inadditional monies from Europe and othersources.

These new path plans are called the Rightsof Way Improvement Plans (ROWIPS) andevery local authority has been preparingthem. They contain an assessment of bothlocal aspirations and the resource itself; plusvitally a statement of action detailing whatwill be done to put paths right, the timetableand the cost. A Wales wide figure will then beclear. When last this was considered in 2003the Countryside Council for Wales surveyidentified that £26 million was needed to putpaths in good order (plus management costswere not included).

Many members will have contributed to orbeen in the process of putting theircomments forward for Rights of WayImprovement Plans (ROWIPS). SomeROWIPs are outstanding and the programmeis given on page 4.

In their favour ROWIPS have beenthrough a locally based consultation process,will be bidding documents and are statutory10-year plans. They provide a starting point toturn round path condition as presently overWales only 41% of paths are easy to use andimportantly they offer an opportunity to hold

authoritiesto account.

ROWIPS also havetheir critics, walkers are concerned that theywill offer a way to drop the upkeep of thehumble path by creating a path hierarchyresulting in maintenance of only some partsof the network, and detractors would say ifthey are finding support in all quarters thewalker’s interest can’t be being well served!

As representatives we need to ensurethat the walking public’s interests are keptuppermost by voicing that interest locallyplus we are commenting on each ROWIPby analysing them against a set of standardcriteria, John Trevelyan is helping withthis work.

Paths in theFuture

Walkers areWelcomePrestatyn and Meliden have had great

success with the Walkers are Welcomeproject. In the summer the community wonthe first award in Wales at the Royal WelshShow, presented by Jane Davidson WelshAssembly Minister for Sustainability andHousing (see picture) to Malcolm Wilkinson,a volunteer and rambler.

Celebrating this event in October 200walkers joined Councillor June Cahill, Mayorof Prestatyn, Roger Thomas, Chief Executiveof the Countryside Council for Wales, KateAshbrook, Ramblers Chairman and GwenGoddard from the founding communityHebden Bridge for a great day’s walking in aplace that is increasingly important forwalking and for visitors.

rambler_67_ENGLISH 21/11/07 9:51 AM Page 1

AUTUMN 2007Welsh

PAGE 2

Hello Again ……it’s been a wet summer for everyone with paths getting more

than usually overgrown. We are still picking the thorns from ourfingers from the last stile we trimmed back. Worries over foot andmouth disease are a concern for everyone who cares about thecountryside.

We are delighted that new Minister Jane Davidson AM putsaccess as one of her two priorities along with the hugely importantissue of climate change. We had a soggy time at the Royal Welsh

show and a terrific time at the National Eisteddfod at Mold, see pics below.As ever, thanks to our volunteers.

On the staffing side we have said a big hello to Celia Wyn Parri who has joined usas Office Administrator and a fond farewell to Martin Dowson who has returned to hismuch-loved home in the Peak District and joined Sheffield City Council to work ongreen space and access. As I write we are advertisinga new post working on projects and funding with aparticular emphasis on rights of way.

We also have a new GB Chief Executive TomFranklin, past head of Living Streets who knowsRamblers well as we worked closely on the lotterybid, which has resulted in a £3.5 million award forpromoting walking in England. We look forward toworking with Tom.

Enjoy walking!

Beverley Director Wales

Practical HandbookUpdatedGetting Greens Registered was firstpublished in 1994. This second edition, byJohn Riddall, has been thoroughly revisedand updated to include, in particular, theimportant changes made by the CommonsAct 2006 and the law courts.

This edition states the law at 6 April 2007.It applies to both England and Wales.

This book is a practical handbook foranyone wanting to register a piece of land asa town or village green. It gives astraightforward, step-by-step, account of theaction needed. It will be of benefit toindividuals, community groups, landowners,local councils and other local authorities.This is by far the most detailed advice ever tobe published for registration authorities andapplicants on this subject.

John Riddall MA (TCD) is a barrister andbefore his retirement was a senior lecturer inlaw at the University of Leeds. His booksinclude Land Law, Jurisprudence, the Lawof Trusts and, with John Trevelyan, Rights ofWay: a guide to law and practice. He is avice-president of the Open Spaces Society.

NORMAN SLATER.Sadly, Norman died on 26 September 2007.He was an inspiration offering hiscommitment, energy and humour toRamblers. He contributed strategically whilstserving on the Welsh Executive andGlamorgan Area Committees and to theCardiff Group in many thoughtful andpractical ways.

Obituary

The Ramblers’ Association,3 Coopers Yard, Curran Road, CARDIFF. CF10 5NB

Tel: 029 2064 4308 • Fax: 029 2064 5187Website: www.ramblers.org.uk

email: cerddwyr@ramblers.org.uk

The Ramblers’ Association is a registered charity(No. 1093577) and a company limited by guarantee in England

and Wales (No. 4458492).Registered Office: Camelford House,

87-89 Albert Embankment, London. SE1 7TW.

Beverley Penney

2007DECEMBER1st – FootpathTraining DayNewtown

2008JANUARY12th – North Wales AGM

MARCH15th – Ceredigion AGM

APRIL12-13th – Welsh Council, Aberystwyth

Left: National Eisteddfod 2007.Top & Above: Royal Welsh Show 2007.

rambler_67_ENGLISH 21/11/07 9:51 AM Page 2

How did you getinvolved in walkingand why is it specialnow?I used to swim regularly to keephealthy and to try to keep myweight down. One of IslwynRamblers suggested that I jointhe group. I started walking onmy own initially as I was unsurewhether I would be as fit as theothers in the group. When Ifinally turned up on a walk Ifound that I knew quite a fewof the others, it is a veryfriendly group, everyone whoturns up is made welcome. Itis special now for the samereason that it was then. I livein one of the most beautifulparts of the country - I am toldthat I should try to keep it a secret, as we donot want hordes of people here. I am verylucky to be able to step outside my front doorand have many beautiful walks at mydisposal.

Why did you join theRamblers? I believe I joined Ramblers before I startedwalking with a group. I joined after readingabout von Hoogstraten in the Guardian. Thearticle mentioned that members of Ramblerswere fighting to get the Right of Way re-opened and needed funds.

What’s your favourite walkingplace? Any of the mountains which are accessiblefrom my house. The walk to TwmbarlwmTump is always exhilarating.

Who’s your dream walkingpartner? Alfie, the dog not the rugby player! I enjoywalking with the members of IslwynRamblers. We’re a small, friendly group.However, I also enjoy walking alone. SeriouslyI would like to take Derek Brockway on a localwalk. This area should be featured inWeatherman Walking. Weatherman Walkingmeets Maths Teacher Meandering.

Do you have a favourite bit ofwalking kit?My GPS has helped me write the pack of localwalks. I’m a bit of a technophobe so I only usesome of the functions, but even in thislimited way it has proved invaluable. I amvery pleased that I finally got my act together

and produced a laminated pack of 13 walks allin the Cwm Carn forest area. I appreciate thegrant from Greater Gwent Ramblers and Ihave already started on the next pack of walks.

What would you like to achievewith the Ramblers? I would like to improve the membership ofIslwyn Ramblers so that we can run morethan one walking programme. I would alsolike to get the local authority to promote thisarea for walking.

Funniest walking incident? Sorry I cannot think of one that would beprintable! As I’ve said Islwyn Ramblers is afriendly group and laughter can be heard allthe time on our walks. Last year our MincePie Walk took place in very thick fog. Whenwe finally sat down at the picnic site to ourfeast of mince pies, chocolates and mulledwine no doubt other walkers would havebeen taken aback at the hearty carol singingin the deep fog!

How did you get involved inthe group? I was asked if I would be Secretary of IslwynRamblers at the first A.G.M. I attended. Thatshows how small the group is and how fewpeople we have who feel that they have thetime or the expertise to be an officer of thegroup – but we are working on it.

Why is walking special for you? I’m sure everyone who goes out for a walk,not just those who walk for a hobby, must get

that amazing euphoric feeling within 10minutes of setting off. I’m told that you canget the same sensation at the gym, but thetwo experiences cannot be compared. It is aconstant reminder of how lucky we are to livein such a beautiful place.

WORKING FOR WALKERS Welsh

PAGE 3

WORKING FOR WALKERS Welsh

PROFILE >>>

Maggie Thomas is the Secretaryof the Islwyn Ramblers Groupand a member of the WelshExecutive Committee.

Maggie – Passionate about Islwyn

Above: View from one ofMaggie's favourite walks -Twm Barlwm.

Left: Maggie’s dreamwalking partner, Alfie.

Right: Maggie meets IoloWilliams.

Maggie has produced an excellent laminated packof 13 walks available in the Islwyn area.

rambler_67_ENGLISH 21/11/07 9:51 AM Page 3

The Copper Coast. A 14mile circular walk.

AUTUMN 2007Welsh

PAGE 4

The Copper Coast walk occurred to us as we cleared a footpath betweenParys Mountain (the biggest copper mine in the world in 18C) and

Amlwch Port. We got the furniture from the council, put in 9 stiles, 2bridges, 6 way marker posts, cleared 2 miles of vegetation and fixed 150unique way markers designed and paid for by RA. The walk follows the AngleseyCoastal past St Eilian’s well and then the site of his 6th century Oratory while just inlandis a 12th century church built in his honour. On to Point Lynas, voted one of the best whalewatching spots in Wales; on then to Dulas passing many an historic site, then inland on ancientminer’s paths to Parys Mine and down the old ore road to our starting point.

The Silver Slashers (the Ynys Môn volunteer footpath gang).

Bob Seabrook Powys Area Footpath Officerreports that Powys Area had pressed for an

enforcement officer and is encouraged thatthis is working well, with swift application oflegal procedures to get public paths open.

Another important achievement has been todefeat a bridleway deletion application atLlanbadarn Fynydd, a lengthy process; Bobsays "all that effort was worth it to safeguardthis pleasant bridleway".

Following on fromsuccessful work with

Community and TownCouncils in Conwy a new pilotproject to be launched laterthis year will see the start of anew working partnershipbetween the Ramblers’Association and ‘One VoiceWales’, the national body forCommunity and TownCouncils in Wales.

Mike Mills, rights of wayofficer for Ramblers says,“There are over 700Community and TownCouncils in Wales,representing a tier ofgovernment that is closest tolocal communities. Thecommunities range from small ruralsettlements to large towns. However, whatcommunity and towns councils have incommon is that they are all striving toimprove the quality of life for local people. Weare keen to work with all relevant partners forthis project.”

“Much of the work of local councils isachieved through exercising a range ofstatutory powers and duties and these includesome important rights and powersconcerning rights of way” Mike Mills added “Itis true to say that no other authority canknow the local paths as well as local councilscan and it is often the voice of the localcouncil that will command the attention ofthe local authority when action is called for.”

“Community and town councils provide avaluable contribution to local democracy:engaging with local people, fostering andcoordinating civic action, working with local

people to develop a vision for local futures andcommunicating those aspirations to all thosewho are responsible for local strategies andservice delivery. This is an important tier ofgovernment that can play a major part inbringing about improvements to the footpathnetwork in Wales. Local people are well placedto understand local problems and we see theirrole as pivotal in bringing aboutimprovements.”

One Voice Wales provides an advice andguidance service to member councils andchampions the interests of the sector at thenational level, influencing policy developmentand working closely with key partners toensure local councils can serve theirelectorates effectively. They also provideopportunities for councils to network andshare best practice, for example through the16 Area Committees across Wales and ourdeveloping Larger Local Councils Committee.Their website is www.onevoicewales.org.uk.

FOOTPATHS >>>

Powys Paths One Voice Wales

Mike Mills presents Simon White, Chief Executive of One Voice Waleswith a copy of the new ‘Rights of Way, a Guide to Law and Practice’.

Parys Mountain Copper Mine

ROWIP consultation deadlinesAll should be ready for 1st Nov 2007

Adopted and Published (7)Rhondda Cynon Taff SwanseaCaerphilly CBC WrexhamBrecon Beacons National Park Authority Merthyr Tydfil CBC Monmouthshire CC

Completed Consultations (7)Anglesey Powys CCVale of Glam CC CardiffGwynedd Blaenau GwentPembrokeshire Carmarthenshire

Consulting (2)Authority Closing Date 2007Ceredigion October/November Conwy October

Consultation dates to be announced:Bridgend Denbighshire Flintshire Neath Port TalbotNewport Torfaen

rambler_67_ENGLISH 21/11/07 9:52 AM Page 4

WORKING FOR WALKERS Welsh

PAGE 5

Footpath training in Wales continues to attract local footpath volunteers with 16 peopleattending the latest South Wales training day held at the Welsh Institute of Sport in Cardiff on22nd September. Mike Mills, who ran the day’s events said “Forso many volunteers to give up their valuable time on a Saturdayis a real testament to their enthusiasm and commitment toboth the RA and footpaths in Wales and clearly shows the valueof such events” he added, “although our training days arefocused on the basics of footpath law we have tried to ensure thesessions are appropriate for a wide range of people, fromexperienced footpath workers to those members who are just alittle inquisitive and would like to know more about how theycan get involved in footpath work.

Mike continued “Footpath training in Wales has reallyevolved over the past two years to meet the needs of ourmembers and volunteers and through a combination of footpath quizzes, films, groupexercises, formal training modules and more general discussions on footpath matters, theseevents now have a wide appeal. It is hoped that training days will evolve further over thecoming months and years to attract others who might share our wish to expand the work ofthe charity.

The next training day has now been scheduled for mid Wales and will take place on Saturday1st December at Plas Dolerw Centre, Newtown Powys. For further information or to book yourplace please contact Celia Parri at Wales Office or email her on celiap@ramblers.org.uk

Above: Stretching the grey matterduring the training day footpath Quiz

Left: OK…so when is an obstruction notan obstruction?

Below: Maggie Thomas, Gwyn Lewisand Tony Yule hold aloft Their trophy asthey win the group training exercises.

Community Councils have joined forceswith the Ramblers’ Association in

Conwy in their campaign to improvefootpaths in the county. Thirty-five RamblersCymru volunteers gathered on 14th July atthe Glasdir Centre, Conwy to develop theirskills to protect footpaths in Wales andCouncillor Sylvia Challinor, Chair of LlanrwstTown Council Footpath Committee openedthe day’s activities as part of a new andexciting working partnership. CouncillorChallinor said “We welcome Ramblers toLlanrwst and are particularly pleased that ourtwo organisations are now working togetherto find a solution to the county’s seriousfootpath problems.” (See photo alongside).

Mike Mills, Rights of Way Officer for theRamblers’ Association who led the day’sactivities says “It’s terrific that thecommunity councils in Conwy have taken upthe challenge to safeguard their localfootpaths and are now engaging directly withthe Council on these issues. The RA’scampaign working group have worked hardon building local partnerships and alongsideLlanrwst, have achieved notable success withsix other community and town councilsexpressing an interest in our work”

Mike added: “Conwy County Council hasconsistently under performed in maintainingtheir footpaths with almost 80% difficult or

impossible to use. Recent Welsh AssemblyGovernment Performance Indicators placeConwy’s footpaths firmly at the bottom of theperformance league table and we urge themto take swift action to get all their rights ofway in good order and urge other communityand town councils to play their part inmaking this happen”

Mike continued, “Conwy is a beautiful countyand a footpath network that is unusable doeslittle to promote it. Walking related tourismcontributes some £548 million a year to theWelsh economy and the important health

benefits that walking brings with it meanshuge savings for the National Health Service.If Conwy want to receive their fair share ofthese benefits then their paths need to be ingood order”

Anne Penketh, Max Grant, and David Tindall,with the support of Mike Mills at RA Walesoffice, will focus on driving the campaignforward over the coming months. Successfulcampaigns need support so if you would likemore information on how you can becomeinvolved then please contact Anne Penketh on01492 622887.

Community & Town Councils Take Up theCampaign Challenge in Conwy

Great Enthusiasm forFootpath Training in Wales

rambler_67_ENGLISH 21/11/07 9:52 AM Page 5

Cerrig Camu / SteppingStones (CC/SS)The Cerrig Camu/ Stepping Stones

(CC/SS) easy walks programme, hasbeen running (no pun intended) for 2 years.Over that period a total of 531 year-roundwalks were organised by 21 groups. We have211 trained walk leaders in groups acrossWales and so far an estimated 7,500 walkershave taken part in the project.

Walk Leader Trainingfor allRamblers Cymru would like to offer our newand improved Cerrig Camu/ Stepping Stoneswalk leader training to all groups whether ornot they decide to participate in the CC/SSprogramme. You may ask why should I, anexperienced walk leader come to a trainingday? The day will focus your mind on what aneasy walk is all about – the likely participants,the pace of a walk, health issues and planningsuch a walk. You will have the opportunity tolink up with other Ramblers groups and sharethoughts and ideas. The course is free toRamblers Cymru members and course notesand lunch are provided. Please call Anwen

Parker today to organise your own walk leadertraining day!

The next training day will be held in Januaryin south Wales. The course will start at 10amand finish at 3pm. The training is open to allwho might like to be a short walks leader.

£150 available to groups The Welsh Council Executive Committee hasagreed to offer a grant of up to £150 per yearto groups who organise a CC/SS short walksprogramme. If your group has a short walksprogramme then contact Anwen to find outhow to claim your money.

The ideal walkWhen organising your CC/SS short walksprogramme try to make sure it includes thefollowing features:

Regular: at least once a month (although ourresearch says that weekly walks are indemand)

Half day: finish by 12pmShort: 3-5 milesLocal: within a 30 minute bus or train

journey of the start pointUse public transportWell-publicised: Use your group web-site,

your walks programme, CC/SS posterblanks and the Ramblers on-line walksfinder plus your own local opportunities toget maximum coverage for your walks.

Photo Competition WinnerCongratulations to Mr Alan Spiller of Dinas Powys for this evocative photograph entitled“Winter Light - Newport Wetlands”. He wins a rucksack, courtesy of Cotswold Outdoor.We would love to see more photographs from you all.

AUTUMN 2007Welsh

PAGE 6

PROMOTING WALKING >>>

Ramblers Cymru has produced an advicesheet which gives information onorganising easy walks of between 3 and 5miles, of a sort that should appeal to a widerange of walkers. It is primarily intended forvolunteers with local Ramblers’ groupsthough it includes information for anyonerunning shorter walks.

By running a broader range of walksincluding shorter, easier options we canappeal to the wider public as well as a largenumber of Ramblers’ members notcurrently catered for by our group walks.

Organising ShorterWalks Advice Sheet

The advice sheet is availablefrom Ramblers Cymru – contact detailsbelow.

rambler_67_ENGLISH 21/11/07 9:52 AM Page 6

WORKING FOR WALKERS Welsh

PAGE 7

PROMOTING WALKING >>>

Bored with your usual Ramblers’ walks?Looking for a walk with a difference?

Then why not try using the railway instead ofyour car to begin your walk?

“Rail Rambles” enable people to enjoywalking without the stress of using a car. Thetrain also provides the chance to enjoy adifferent aspect of the countryside from thecomfort of your train seat - and a welcomeopportunity to sit back and relax on the wayhome!

Wales has an excellent rural rail networkaccessible from towns and villages across thecountry. From the Conwy Valley line in thenorth; to the Cambrian and Heart of Waleslines (together serving Powys, Ceredigion,Gwynedd and Carmarthenshire), to the SouthWest Rail line out to Pembrokeshire; and notforgetting the Valleys lines - all give fantasticaccess to excellent walking country.

As with other walks in our programmes, avariety of distances and grades are offered.Many will be circular walks, but Rail Ramblesgives new opportunities to walk from onestation to another.

Rail Rambles originated in 1987, from acore group providing walks in Mid Wales andthe Marches. Over a number of years, theyhave built up a menu of hundreds of walks - all

within a day's return of Shrewsbury.

Now, Rail Rambles is expanding and inJanuary 2008 an all-Wales programme will belaunched in conjunction with Arriva TrainsWales. The programme will offer over a 100walks across Wales. How about catching thetrain from Cardiff on a sunny summermorning to Llantwit Major on the heritagecoast line for a walk along the cliffs with viewsof the Somerset coastline or how about a strollaround Welshpool in the Spring with its manytimber-framed buildings followed by a gentlewalk around Powis Castle Grounds.

Printed Rail Rambles programmes will beavailable from all relevant stations in Walesand are also available from local TouristInformation Centres. The programme will alsobe available to download from the Ramblersweb-site. If you can’t wait until January thenthe current programme can be viewed atwww.ramblers.org.uk/wales/railrambles.

Do you have walks by train in your groupprogramme? Would you like these walksto be added to the all-Wales programmewhich will be distributed to local stationson the route and Tourist InformationCentres? To find out more call Anwen(details opposite).

GROUPS ~ GROUPS ~ GROUPS ~ GROUPS

Rail ‘n’ Ramble

Has your grouporganised walks

between 26thDecember to 2ndJanuary? Thenadvertise them onthe Ramblers on-linewalks finder tofurther promote yourwalks to membersand non-members.This is the perfecttime to attract new members who arelooking to kick start their New Year’sresolution by joining the Ramblers. Allgrades and distances can be included.Bilingual poster blanks are available fromRamblers Cymru.

For more information on thetopics on these pages

contact Anwen Parker on 029 2064 4308

or emailanwenp@ramblers.org.uk.

Festival ofWinter Walks

Photo: Nick Treharne

rambler_67_ENGLISH 21/11/07 9:52 AM Page 7

Welsh

PAGE 8

LETTERS >>>

Dear Editor

Arecent note from RA London (FootpathMatters, Issue 9) says that, following theNatural Environment and Rural

Communities Act, the RA is “no longerconducting a high profile campaign on theissue of motor vehicles using public rights ofway”.

Can I suggest that we are counting our chickens before they’rehatched?

Here in the Cambrian Mountains a new motor vehicle threat hasemerged in the shape of a possible huge increase in the number ofplaces where they may be legally permitted to drive.

The Countryside Council for Wales has asked the three CountyCouncils to conduct a pilot project to develop “good practice for thesustainable management of recreational vehicles… good practice forworking with a diverse range of stakeholders… a strategy and actionplan to help inform management approaches in other areas facingvehicular use issues”.

Sustainable is a word everyone likes so it sounds innocent enough.But read on.

The first stage was for the councils to hold a series of forums toexplain the project to all those who might be interested. Landowners,walkers, conservation bodies and of course users of motorised vehicleswere all present. The worrying part of the meetings came when theusers of motorised vehicles were invited to mark on 1:25000 scalemaps all those places where they would like to be able to drive. No onecan blame them for identifying routes in just those areas that for usare the most precious – quiet, remote, undisturbed, and ideal forwalking (including the historic Monks’ Trod).

We were assured that consultants who are to be employed to carrythe project forward, will examine the “sensitivity” of these proposals.Of course, not all of them will be proposed, and of course the normal

legal procedures would still haveto be gone through.

But for most of us,everywhere in the CambrianMountains is too sensitive formotorised vehicles. Will theconsultant be allowed to saythis? In principle the answer isyes (we were told). But if youwere the consultant conductinga large and costly piece ofresearch such as this would youconsider reporting back bysaying you couldn’t findanywhere suitable? You’d hardlybe consulted again if you did!

Queried about this at arecent conference, the Minister, Jane Davidson, said that Wales couldnot be a no go area for motorised vehicles though they need to becontrolled. But a massive increase in the range of places they wouldbe legally permitted to go could pass for “control” since they would nolonger be breaking the law. So, if you value peace and tranquillity inthe countryside, be prepared to fight on. Some RA members presentat the meeting saw these proposals as abigger threat than wind turbines.

David Bateman

Rights of Way: a guide to law andpractice. 3rd edition, John Riddall andJohn Trevelyan, published by OpenSpaces Society and Ramblers’Association.

Affectionately known as the Blue Book,this is the definitive guide to the law on public rights of way inEngland and Wales. It is an essential work of reference for those whoneed to know about rights-of-way law and practice. It containsextensive extracts from many relevant statutes, regulations and officialcirculars on rights of way. It is also an invaluable and readable book foranyone who walks in the countryside, or who helps to protect andmaintain paths, or who is simply fascinated by them.

The Blue Book

Cambrian Mountains… toosensitive for motor vehicles?by David Bateman Footpaths Officer Ceredigion Area

LLYTHYRAU >>>

Annwyl Olygydd

Dywed nodyn diweddar oddi wrthGymdeithas y Cerddwyr Llundain

(‘Footpath Matters’, Rhifyn 9) yn dilyn y DdeddfAmgylchedd Naturiol a Chymunedau Gwledig,“nad yw Cymdeithas y Cerddwyr bellach yn cynnalymgyrch proffil uchel ar fater cerbydau modur sy’ndefnyddio hawliau tramwy cyhoeddus”. Ga’ i awgrymu ein bod ni yma ynrhoi’r drol o flaen y ceffyl?

Yma ym Mynyddoedd Cambria mae bygythiad newydd yn ymwneud âcherbydau modur wedi ymddangos ar ffurf cynnydd a allai fod yn enfawr ynnifer y lleoedd y gellid caniatáu iddynt yrru’n gyfreithiol.

Mae Cyngor Cefn Gwlad Cymru wedi gofyn i’r tri Chyngor Sir gynnalprosiect peilot i ddatblygu “arfer da ar gyfer rheoli cerbydau hamdden mewndull cynaliadwy… arfer da ar gyfer gweithio gydag ystod amrywiol oranddeiliaid… strategaeth a chynllun gweithredu i helpu i oleuo dulliaurheoli mewn ardaloedd eraill sy’n wynebu problemau ynglyn â’r defnydd ogerbydau.”

Mae ‘cynaliadwy’ yn air mae pawb yn ei hoffi felly mae’n swnio’n ddigondiniwed. Ond darllenwch ymlaen. Y cam cyntaf oedd i’r cynghorau gynnalcyfres o fforymau i egluro’r prosiect i’r holl rai hynny a allai fod â diddordeb.Roedd tirfeddianwyr, cerddwyr, cyrff cadwraeth ac wrth gwrs defnyddwyrcerbydau modur i gyd yn bresennol. Daeth y rhan o’r cyfarfodydd a oedd ynperi pryder pan wahoddwyd defnyddwyr cerbydau modur i nodi ar fapiaugraddfa 1:25000 yr holl fannau hynny lle yr hoffent allu gyrru. Ni all unrhywun eu beio am nodi llwybrau yn yr union ardaloedd hynny sydd i ni y rhaimwyaf gwerthfawr – rhai tawel, anghysbell ac sy’n ddelfrydol i gerddedynddynt (gan gynnwys Llwybr y Mynachod (Monks’ Trod).

Cawsom ein sicrhau y bydd ymgynghorwyr a fydd yn cael eu cyflogi ifynd â’r prosiect yn ei flaen yn ystyried “sensitifrwydd” yr argymhellion hyn.Wrth gwrs, ni fyddant i gyd yn cael eu hargymell, ac wrth gwrs byddai’nrhaid mynd drwy’r gweithdrefnau cyfreithiol arferol. Ond i’r rhan fwyafohonom, mae pob man ym Mynyddoedd Cambria yn rhy sensitif ar gyfer

cerbydau modur. A ganiateir i’r ymgynghorydd ddweud hyn? Mewnegwyddor yr ateb yw ‘caiff’ (meddai rhywun wrthym). Ond os mai chifyddai’r ymgynghorydd yn cynnal darn mawr a chostus o waith ymchwil felhwn, fyddech chi’n ystyried adrodd yn ôl drwy ddweud na fedrech ddod ohyd i unrhyw le a fyddai’n addas? Prin y gofynnid i chi fod ynymgynghorydd eto pe baech yn gwneud hynny!

Pan holwyd hi am hyn mewncynhadledd yn ddiweddar,dywedodd y Gweinidog, JaneDavidson, na allai Cymru fod ynardal lle byddai cerbydau modur yncael eu gwahardd, er bod angeniddynt gael eu rheoli. Ond gallaicynnydd enfawr yn yr ystod oleoedd y caniateid iddynt fynd yngyfreithiol gael ei alw yn“rheolaeth” oherwydd na fyddentbellach yn torri’r gyfraith. Felly osydych yn gwerthfawrogi heddwcha thawelwch yng nghefn gwlad,byddwch yn barod i ymladd. Roeddrhai o aelodau Cymdeithas yCerddwyr a oedd yn bresennol yn ycyfarfod yn ystyried bod yrargymhellion hyn yn fwy ofygythiad na thyrbinau gwynt.

David Bateman

Mynyddoedd Cambria… rhysensitif i gerbydau modur? gan David Bateman Swyddog Llwybrau Rhanbarth Ceredigion

Rights of Way: A Guide to Law and Practice.4ydd argraffiad. John Riddall a JohnTrevelyan, a gyhoeddwyd gan Gymdeithasy Mannau Agored a Chymdeithas yCerddwyr.

Mae’r llyfr hwn y cyfeirir ato yn annwyl fel ‘yLlyfr Glas’, yn ganllaw diffiniol i’r ddeddf ar hawliau tramwy cyhoeddusyng Nghymru a Lloegr. Mae’n gyfeirlyfr hanfodol i’r rhai hynny sydd angengwybod am ddeddfau ac ymarfer o ran hawliau tramwy. Mae’n cynnwysdetholiadau helaeth o lawer o statudau, rheoliadau a chylchlythyrauswyddogol perthnasol ar hawliau tramwy. Mae’n llyfr amhrisiadwy adarllenadwy hefyd i unrhyw un sy’n cerdded yn y wlad, neu i unrhyw un sy’nhelpu i warchod a chynnal llwybrau, neu sy’n cael ei ryfeddu ganddynt.

Y Llyfr Glas

Photos: Liz Fleming-Williams

TUDALEN 8

HYDREF 2007 Y

Ffotograffau: Liz Fleming-Williams

AUTUMN 2007

rambler_67_centre 21/11/07 9:50 AM Page 1