Loftus applied early in 2015 for Loftus Civil Parish to gain Walkers are Welcome status and was delighted to have this awarded in May.An event took place at Handale Abbey Walled Garden on 1st July with the Deputy Mayor of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Councillor Neil Bendelow formally launching Loftus as a Walkers are Welcome parish.

The parish extends along the coast between Carlin How and Cowbar and inland to Scaling and the walking group will work to develop this area as an even better district for recreational walking for residents and visitors alike.

The group already works closely with the town and borough councils to provide and improve walking opportunities in the area including a weekly health walk that meets outside Woodside Surgery, Loftus at 1.15pm on Fridays.