Active Walkers are Welcome Towns
Holmfirth
Accredited since: 2019
Against the stunning backdrop of the Peak District National Park, Holmfirth is a thriving town with speciality shops and markets, bespoke art and tempting treats, plus a packed events programme.
Fast flowing streams, moorland sheep, quaint weavers’ cottages and impressive mills reflect Holmfirth’s proud history of producing world class woollen yarns and cloths. But it’s the valley’s landscapes and villages which have brought the area fame.
Broseley
Accredited since: 2019
Broseley is an original industrial town, with three centuries of architecture mixed in a delightfully haphazard manner. Imposing properties built for ironmasters, alongside former squatters cottages nestled around narrow alleys called ‘jitties’. This heritage is surrounded by beautiful woods and dingles, with footpaths offering inspiring views across the Severn Gorge.
Hayfield
Accredited since: 2019
Hayfield is a beautiful village (population 2,700) nestling in stunning Peak District scenery. Its proud association with the Kinder Mass Trespass, and vibrant community offers events throughout the year and facilities to accommodate walkers including six pubs, three cafes, an Italian restaurant, a campsite, and various small artisan shops.
Lampeter Llanbedr Pont Steffan
Accredited since: 2019
The Town of Lampeter was delighted to learn that it had received Certification of Accreditation as a Member of Walkers are Welcome C.I.C. on 5th. November, 2019. There has always been a welcome for walkers in Lampeter, and there has been a thriving and dynamic Ramblers Society in the town for many years. Because of this, much of the criteria for accreditation already existed.
Coleford, Gloucestershire
Accredited since: 2021
Coleford sits in the heart of The Forest Of Dean. Walking from Coleford in any direction you are immersed in the ancient Forest with walks to suit all ages and abilities. Symonds Yat Rock with breath-taking views over the Wye Valley, or discovering the industrial heritage of the area including mines and caves that sit alongside the natural beauty and add to its character.
The area as a whole is truly a hidden gem and many of you will recognise places in and around Coleford from the many films and TV series from Star Wars to Dr Who and more that have been filmed here.
Bampton (Devon)
Accredited since: 2022
Bampton, an historic Charter Town, lies in the mid Devon rolling countryside close to the Somerset border, and is on the edge of the Exmoor National Park. A regional trail, the Exe Valley Way passes through the town and access to the coast to coast Two Moors Way is within 10 miles. There is a wide network of local footpaths that start and end in Bampton which have been captured in two local walking books published by Bampton Heritage and Visitor Centre who organise regular walking events.
The town centre is a conservation area, and the Heritage and Visitor Centre is situated within the 12th Century St Michael and All Angels Church. Bampton has Plastic free status and local businesses display the ‘Fill your water bottle’ symbol.
Bampton has a range of traditional shops selling local produce, as well as award winning pubs and restaurants and places to stay. It is a friendly, welcoming community with a thriving centre used by local villagers and visitors.
Cowbridge
Accredited since: 2022
Cowbridge is a compact market town in the heart of the rural Vale of Glamorgan. The historic and bustling town centre is linked in all directions to an ancient network of public rights of way including an extensive elevated area of common land. Three castles plus several ancient churches are within easy walking distance. The varying gradients make for striking viewpoints across the vale and coast. The town itself is framed by a number of attractive village locations providing interest for the visitor. Overall, Cowbridge is an attractive destination with interesting history notably its medieval walls and south gate. It benefits from a classic high street with independent shops and a fantastic food and drink offer.
Pewsey & The Vale
Accredited since:
Pewsey is the largest village in this rural part of Wiltshire. Pewsey & The Vale is in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Located on the Great West Way, Wansdyke and Ridgeway are to the north with Mid-Wilts Way and Kennet & Avon Canal at its centre.
