Human bodies are engineering for endurance walking. Our ancient ancestors covered large distances, establishing long distance routes across our islands. National Trails are the modern-day equivalent, often tracing those same ancient paths.
National Trails are the less well-known – but no less important – friend of National Parks and National Landscapes. Initially designated alongside them in the National Parks and Access to Countryside Act in 1949, their status and funding however has only declined, leaving many riddled with problems, like the two located in my constituency.
The Thames Path National Trail could be extraordinary. Beginning in the Cotswolds, it winds its way down to Woolwich. The path enters my constituency at Benson before darting across the river into neighbouring Wallingford, before again crossing the Thames at Goring. From there, it makes its way to the beautiful village of Whitchurch-on-Thames, before paying a visit to Reading, and then onwards to the famous Henley-on-Thames, home of the Royal Regatta.
However, walkers are currently forced to deviate from the Path at both Benson and Henley. While a weir project is progressing in Benson, the Marsh Lock Horsebridge between Henley and Shiplake has been closed for over 3 years. The current diversion requires crossing the dangerous A4155 twice and takes you well away from the water.
Responsibility for these assets often falls to the Environment Agency, but ongoing underfunding from DEFRA means it has limited ability to take action. It has narrowed its focus to firefighting to keep weirs and locks open.
Further north in my constituency, the Ridgeway National Trail carves an impressive path from the iconic Goring Gap, through the village of Nuffield and idyllic town of Watlington, before crossing the border into Buckinghamshire just after Chinnor.
The Ridgeway is known as ‘Britain’s oldest road’ and has the internationally-renowned Uffington White Horse, carved into chalk. But that chalk is vulnerable to damage, and parts of the Ridgeway are classified as a byway, meaning legally open to motorised traffic. It suffers therefore from damage from recreational 4×4 vehicles and offroad motorcycles. Local authorities and National Trails UK are finding they are unable to justify the regular repairs needed to maintain the trail to the correct standard.
From just two examples, you can start to see how unique each National Trail is and how insufficient funding is blocking their potential.
Since 2013, there has been no real terms increase in funding allocated to National Trails. This is despite the fact that the National Trail Network has increased over the last decade, and will double in size by the end of 2025 – with the addition of the King Charles III Coastal Path and the Coast to Coast path.
Further, we are simply not in the same environmental situation as 10 years ago. Climate change has brought hot dry summers and flood laden winters, which deteriorates the trails more than ever before. Increasing the workload while stagnating the funding – is a recipe for decline.
There is a need to act now, and the benefits of National Trails provide clear justification for doing so. It is estimated the combined economic impact of National Trails totals £1.8 billion. And the contribution to health every year is £300 million in savings to the NHS.
They are treasured assets for walking, horse-riding, running and cycling – and unlike some other countryside rights of way, are extremely well sign posted, making them more navigable to those less familiar with the countryside. National Trails also tend to be far more accessible for people with disabilities due to additional work to replace stiles with gates and improve the standard of path for wheelchair users.
So, imagine the benefits that National Trails could deliver with proper funding. It opens the door to deliver improvement projects, engagement activities and volunteer programmes, and frankly just allows National Trails to be properly maintained at a base level.
The government has previously recognised the vital role National Trails play in rural tourism, promoting cultural assets of England and the health of the population. With proper funding and support, we can ensure their internationally high standards and deliver more for people and nature.
We must give our National Trails a fighting chance
