A LECTURER at Worcester University has played a key role in mapping out sustainable walking and rail routes across Worcestershire.
Senior lecturer in graphic design, Andy Stevenson, lent his expertise to the project, mapping and illustrating the new circular walking routes from ‘destination stations’ across the county for Rail Trails Worcestershire.
These new routes showcase approximately 30 miles of rail-related walks within the county. They are now available online and will soon be re-produced in guide sheets which will be available at tourist information centres and local stations.
Mr Stevenson said: “It’s very much in tune with the growing domestic trend towards sustainable tourism and regenerative tourism. We hope these new guide materials will help people to take in the Worcestershire attractions and countryside in a more sustainable way, lessening their reliance on their cars, whether they’re locals or visitors to the county.”
The new circular walks centre around destination stations on the main train lines that run through Worcestershire, like the Cotswold and Malvern Line or the Wyre Valley Line. There are six new walks, which start from Great Malvern, Worcester Shrub Hill, Evesham, Kidderminster, Bromsgrove and Alvechurch stations.
The idea is that people can get a train from somewhere else in Worcestershire, or even beyond, and travel to these destination stations. From there they will be able to do a designated walk around the area taking in landmarks of interest, learn about the history and take in some breathtaking scenery, back to the same station, then return home using the train.
The walks have been plotted and tested out by Worcestershire Ramblers.
Mr Stevenson added: “The statistics from our national tourism organisations suggest that the younger generations are becoming more interested in sustainability and as a result are less likely to be taking future long-haul flights and are more likely to be spending domestically.
“It’s a really interesting change of focus for people’s holidays and I think all of the UK tourism industry is trying to gear up for this. As those younger generations come through, this trend only looks set to only increase in the coming years.”
Visit wcrp.org.uk/rail-trails-circular-walks for more details.
