Green Trasport week 2010 | Ramble by Train

A day out in the country is a great way to get some exercise, breath some fresh air, and relax. But there’s a problem. Too many rambles begin with a car drive. Most towns in Britain are only a short journey away from beautiful countryside – by train. Why not organise a “ramble by train”, a walk in the country that begins and ends at a train station.

Planning a Ramble

• The walk must begin and end at a train station (not necessarily the same one). It shouldn’t be longer than about 10 miles; you might try to organise a long route and a shorter one.
• Talk to your local Ramblers Association and YHA about possible walks – check whether there will be a ramble in your area. Why not team up with your local Ramblers?
• You can get a discount on train fares if at least ten walkers travel in a group: check at your local station for details. Talk to your local station manager; they may be able to promote the walk with posters and leaflets at local stations – it’ll bring more business for them.
• Design a poster to publicise the walk – put it up in local shops, in libraries, community centres, leisure centres, and of course at stations. Design a leaflet too.
• People will want to go at their own pace, so you’ll need a map and detailed instructions for everyone taking part.
• Getting the message across: This isn’t just a pleasant walk in the country! Make it a walk with a message: give everyone a flyer explaining the damage cars do to the environment. The leaflet should suggest some action too – ask people to write to their MPs about the importance of investing in rural public transport.