Shropshire Star

Rambling Ron steps down

Rambling Ron Bond has spent a lifetime keeping footpaths open.

Published
Ron Bond from Oswestry has been maintaining footpaths and stiles for 25 years and is retiring although he will still take his secateurs out when he goes walking.

From campaigning for better access to the countryside to physically clearing the routes, organising special working parties to tackle overgrown rights-of-way.

But now the 83-year-old has decided to pass the job on to the next generation, though he will still be stepping out on the more low-lying footpaths around Oswestry.

Mr Bond, from Queens Road, is also about to publish his fourth book in a popular series of Ron's Rambles.

The books chart walks in the Oswestry and borders area, one aimed particularly at families.

His efforts to clear and campaign for Shropshire's footpaths were recognised four years ago when Shropshire Council's Countryside Access Team presented him with a long service award for more that 21 years service as a volunteer.

During his time in the county he has led walks for the Oswestry Ramblers. Further afield Mr Bond's expertise saw him taken on by an international walking specialist company to lead walks across Europe.

"A few years ago I decided it was time that I stopped doing the high walks and now I have had to stop leading medium walks as well, my joints will not allow it," he said.

"I am handing over the reigns of footpath clearance to younger enthusiasts. But that is not to say that I will stop carrying a pair of secateurs with me when I am on a walk. There is always something people can do to help keep rights-of-way open."