Path plan could bring in visitors

The leader of Herefordshire Council, Terry James, is among the supporters of the path, which would connect Leominster, Bromyard, Ledbury, Ross and Kington.

A proposed route for the 'Herefo-rdshire Trail' is being plotted and checked by the Ramblers' Association, with the path between Bromyard and Ledbury expected to run from the B4214 and the B4220, crossing the A4103 near Fromes Hill.

The route from Ledbury to Ross would cross the A4172 in the Pixley area, before turning south for Ross.

The idea for the long-distance footpath was originally put forward by John Wride, walks organiser for the Herefordshire branch of the Ramblers' Association.

Following a recent meeting with rambler's leaders, Coun James said he hoped the new trail would attract many people to the county and boost the rural economy, which has been badly hit by foot and mouth.

Council figures show that 70 per cent of visitors to Herefordshire come for the walking.

Coun James said: "There's a huge market out there. We need to get walkers coming to enjoy our wonderful countryside and the Herefordshire Trail will certainly attract them."

Three other long-distance paths - the Wye Valley Walk, Mortimer's Way and Offa's Dyke - pass through Herefordshire.

But Mr Wride said: "They are not wholly within Herefordshire. The neighbouring counties of Shropshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire all have their long-distance walks and local ramblers felt it was time that Herefordshire had a dedicated walk within the county.

"People could either walk the entire route, which would take about ten days, or parts of it. There are places for bed and breakfast in the rural stretches and hotels and guest houses in the town. It will bring in a lot of walkers who will spend money."

Mr Wride said he hoped the Herefordshire Ramblers' Association could enter into a partnership with the council to print and distribute a guide to the trail, expected to be launched in 2002.