Farmer Focus: Walk reveals the failings of footpath app

Over the bank holiday weekend, we all went for a lovely walk (or a 15km “route march” as the children call it) along the old Thames and Severn Canal and through Siccaridge Wood, managed by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

It was beautiful, with bluebells out in bloom. We did a loop and followed a phone app for directions. I was surprised how many footpaths on the app were not footpaths in reality.

So don’t always shout and complain at ramblers, as they, like me, may think they are on the correct route when in fact they are not.

See also: Public access in rural areas – how to avoid and deal with problems

About the author

Robin Aird

Arable Farmer Focus writer Robin Aird manages 1500 ha on the North Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border with a further 160ha on a contract farming agreement.  Soils vary from gravel to clay, with the majority silty clay loams. A diverse estate with residential, commercial and events enterprises. He is Basis qualified and advises on other farming businesses.

Read more articles by Robin Aird

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It looked fantastic, and thank you, Jake, for the tour.

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