Walkers are Welcome in Bampton

Bampton has been successful in a bid to become an accredited ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town.

Getting Walkers are Welcome status strengthens a town’s reputation as a place for visitors to come to enjoy the outdoors, as well as bringing many benefits to the local economy.

To be successful, the application needed to show support from 5% of local residents and local businesses, as well as being backed by the Town Council. Bampton Heritage and Visitor Centre led a steering group of interested local people to put together the application which was approved at the Walkers are Welcome national committee on 16 May.

Bampton and its beautiful surroundings have many local paths and circular walks as well as the advantage of being on the edge of Exmoor and the Exe Valley Way passing through the town.  It has also been a member of the Parish Paths Partnership Scheme for the past 28 years which seeks to ensure rights of way are maintained and improved. These features make it a great place to visit for a walking holiday or short break.

In recent years the Heritage and Visitor Centre has done much to promote walking for visitors and residents alike with the publication of two new walk books, as well as leading guided walks on bank holiday weekends.

Quote from Simon Fouracres – Chair of Bampton Town Council

‘Bampton Town Council is delighted that the great facilities Bampton has to offer for walkers have been recognised in this way. My huge thanks go to the steering group members and to the Bampton Heritage and Visitor Centre who will coordinate the ongoing work’