Annual National Walkers are Welcome Get Together and AGM a real success for Cromer
A group of people walking is known as an amble, but at this weekend’s Walkers are Welcome annual national get together in Cromer the pace was certainly not slow, and the weekend clearly showed the passion there is for walking.
60 delegates came from across the country to Cromer for a packed itinerary showing off the best of the town and area; delegates came from near and as far afield as Ross-on-Wye, Moffat, Kirkby Stephen and Henley-on-Thames. The wonderful mix of delegates all brought a strong view with them: “walking is good for all and their locales are set up to welcome walkers”. They all took home the knowledge that the walking around Cromer is worth travelling for, and the town is a somewhere special. The objective for Walk Cromer, the local organising team, was that delegates took home the message that Cromer was worth the journey: mission accomplished!
Over the weekend there were informal walks for all to enjoy, and organised walks to show the breadth of the interesting features around Cromer. Martin Warren led people on his amazing geology walk showing the depth of the history we have to offer, Tim Bennett led his moving walk around Overstrand, Malcolm English took groups on a photography walk around town, and Alan Tutt took people around the war history of Cromer. Rob Spray told of the unique chalk reef and a journey through its beauty, a real hidden gem.
Thanks to Richard Leeds and the Lifeboat team who led a group to watch and photograph the launch of the lifeboat on Sunday morning and explained the workings to the attendees. Gina Bradbury and Debbie North shared their journey putting together their online Outdoor Guide and their mixed experiences of making walking, and other elements of the outdoor experience, accessible to those who need wheels to get around.
At the Friday evening reception on the pier, over supper at the Old Rockshop Bistro on Friday and at the conference dinner, hosted at the Cliftonville, attendees took the opportunity to discuss walking in a more informal setting and share ideas for promoting the wider elements of walking and the challenges in their own areas.
“There are so many people to thank for helping across the weekend,” said Gemma Harrison in the local organising team, “from both the District and Town councils, to the businesses who supported the event and all the people across Cromer who made the attendees so welcome”. Some delegates the opportunity to make the conference weekend an opportunity to visit more of the area and had spent the previous week exploring and all reported the amazing welcome from the area, it’s people and facilities. “All the feedback we have had suggests delegates will be returning to Cromer, and will be recommending Cromer to friends and colleagues back home,” said Gemma.
Walkers are Welcome is a network of more than 100 towns & villages all over Britain.
Each destination has created its own unique offering based on its countryside assets, and on the community led group who run the project locally. Some offer guided walks and events throughout the year, others offer web based help and information.
The Cromer Walkers are Welcome volunteers aim to help walkers with interesting printed guides and maps around town. They also check & report on local footpaths and make it easier for walkers themselves to report problems. They are also involved in consultations with councils and other relevant bodies regarding developments and plans which may concern walkers.
Anyone wishing to join the small team of volunteers should contact Gemma at gemma@walkcromer.co.uk.
