To enable users of the Public Rights of Way network, routes are waymarked with fingerposts and/or waymarker disks, each showing the nature (footpath, bridleway, byway, etc) and direction of the route. These are placed at appropriate places, notably where needed for navigation. It is a legal requirement that routes are waymarked at every junction with a highway. This is usually where fingerposts are utilised. Sadly, fingerposts suffer from being hit by agricultural machinery or other vehicles or simply rot after a few years, so need constant monitoring and renewal.
This is an area where Ramblers can assist, both with the monitoring and replacement. Two such instances have been addressed in recent weeks. Ashley Footpath 723 and Wellow Footpath 8 were both missing waymarking where they met the public highway. With materials supplied by HCC Countryside Services, Romsey Ramblers have installed new fingerposts. In the case of Ashley 723, we also had to clear a way through a hedge that had become heavily overgrown, forcing walkers to use an alternate access point some 50m away.
If you would like to join Romsey Ramblers on any of their upcoming walks you can find information and contact details on their website www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/ramblers-groups/romsey-group.
