North country coastal path wins ‘Favourite Walk' competition

Every walk tells a story, at least that was the premise behind the RIAS ‘Favourite Walks' competition set in May.

Inspiration for the contest was provided by the RIAS sponsored National Trust walks, set in some of the most spectacular locations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and available to all.

The lure of healthy exercise, a National Trust holiday cottage worth up to £1000 as the prize, and a chance to impress the judges with a spot of creative writing, meant there were plenty of entries. Walkers of all ages rose to the challenge of describing their favourite walk and the winner, selected by a panel of RIAS and National Trust judges, was Julia Rand from Newcastle upon Tyne, whose evocative account of a north country coastal walk scored her full marks and high praise.

Julia, who is in her early 50s and is a conservation and wildlife enthusiast, chose the Craster to Low Newton coastal path in Northumberland as her favourite place for a ramble. According to Julia, its appeal lay as much in the many points of wildlife and plant interest along the way as in the spectacular scenery. "I certainly had an excellent time doing the walk, and am very excited about winning. How delightful to be able to look forward to a lovely break where more walking will be possible," Julia told RIAS. "I hope my description of this beautiful walk will inspire others to try it."

The National Trust Conservation Warden for the Northumberland coast, Kevin Redgrave, said: "I'd have to agree with Julia, this is a great walk. It's so full of contrasts, especially in the summer, when nature is at its most vibrant. It's an historic landscape, but one in which the wildlife and water always dominate your senses... whether its the breeding birds, colourful wildflower displays or lapping of waves on the beach."

"The standard of entries for this competition was extremely high, and we are really pleased that so many people seem to be enjoying these lovely walks," says RIAS Managing Director Janet Connor. "I particularly liked the account of the walk at Brownsea Island which is not far from the RIAS headquarters in Bournemouth, and one I now intend to try myself!"

Special mention goes to entries from Ray Butler of Kent for his tale of his son Charlie's crow-spotting at Seven Sisters on the South Downs, and to Claire Simmonds, Wiltshire, for her superb description of the family's Woodchester Park walk in Gloucestershire.

The winning entry, and a selection of others, will be available to read on the National Trust website at nationaltrust.org.uk