By Isle of Wight Observer
Chillerton and Gatcombe Parish Council have been awarded £460 from the Big Lottery ‘Awards for All’ fund to develop a selection of walking routes around the parish.
The villages of Chillerton and Gatcombe lie nestled in valleys surrounded by the Downs. This area is blessed with many footpaths and bridleways and, therefore, a wonderful location for interesting walking routes.
The directions for a series of circular walks will be drawn up by local residents and these will be available either in the form of leaflets or for download from the Parish Website.
Details will be included to alert walkers to the grade of severity of each walk, along with
features including access points or possible difficulties, such as stiles or areas of unsure
footing. The intention is also, to include descriptions of the surrounding environment during
the different seasons. The circular walks will include information about the nearest bus stops and parking areas to link up with the access points of each route and each walk will provide different challenges, with intention of encouraging walkers of all abilities to find something to suit them.
Initially, around five walks will be developed with a brief description and full directions to be printed in leaflet form. Information about where the leaflets may be obtained, will be posted in the Parish Newsletter and on the Parish Website.
Cllr Roland Payn, the project lead, said ‘Once the first leaflets have been introduced, we
hope residents and visitors will feel encouraged to share their favourite walks, enabling us to continue to develop this project and, ultimately, inspire more people to enjoy this beautiful countryside.
