The Rights of Way Improvement Plan for RCT - Rhondda Cynon Taf

Objective 1: Promote outdoor countryside activity for health, regeneration,tourism and recreation.Strategic Service ActionsInput to ActiveLivingPartnershipDevelop linkswith EducationInput toCouncil’sTourismStrategy InvolvelibrariesPartnership set up under the Community Strategy Health and Wellbeing Partnership topromote physical activity, meets 4 times a year and aims to add value through jointworking.A twice-yearly meeting is proposed, to consider the use of the local countryside by schoolsfor curriculum study/activity and informal learning such as sports clubs or Duke ofEdinburgh award.A twice-yearly meeting with Council Tourism Officers is proposed to develop thepotential of walking, cycling and horse riding tourism. The Council’s library serviceprovides information about access and local walking opportunities. It is also amechanism for communicating with local people. There is potential to use this resourcemore effectively. Quarterly meetings with the library service are proposed.MarketingLiaise withNeighboursThe new marketing officer for Leisure, Parks and Countryside will co ordinate the promotionof Rights of Way and Open Access, alongside other services. A marketing strategy should bea priority.The Living Space Action Programme provides a mechanism for identifying joint projects. Thetwice-yearly meeting of the SE Wales Rights of Way officers will address cross-border issues.Existing ProjectsWalking theWay 2 Health(CAP) / WalkingWalesValleys WalkingFestival (CAP)Loops and Links(CAP)School NatureTrailsTen projects in Communities First Partnerships were funded to Dec 2006. These shouldcontinue, utilising the trained walk leaders and risk assessed walking routes developedas part of the project.Walking is a feature of the PALS and STARs projects. Various family learning projectsinclude walking and cycling for health. Walking Wales grant funding is available for theperiod 2007-10.The Festival was established in 2005 and aims to promote walking for local people andvisitors. Groundwork project to link valley communities and promote regenerationthrough activity tourism. 1st phase in the north complete, 2nd phase in the south of theCounty is being developed.Developing nature trails in conjunction with the Local Biodiversity Action Plan usingKey Countryside Sites and public rights of way.Mentro AllanGuided walksJoint projectsLeafletsNew ProjectsProvide on-lineinformationCircular routesFacilitiesPublic TransportLottery funding stream for countryside access targeted at disadvantaged groups in partsof Rhondda Cynon Taf.Existing programmes of Ramblers Groups, including short stepping stones walks,biodiversity walks etc. Also Bike events (CAP). Potential for development.Promote long distance routes (CAP), Pontypridd Circular Walk (CAP). For example,Ramblers Bunny Walks, Daerwynno cycle paths.Walking, cycling, horse riding, access for all and off road vehicles via the internet.Develop and promote new circular / linear routes for a variety of target audiences. E.g.Area 8 walk, Area 7 walk.Dare Valley visitor centre facilities, equestrian tourism (CAP), Cross border horse routes,Bwllfa project (CAP), Bike hire.Working with providers on promotion and improved links. Including disabled accessand social inclusion. Public transport map.Out & About: The Rights of Way Improvement Plan for Rhondda Cynon Taf