better access to parts of the North York Moors

On Sunday I did a voluntary ranger patrol from Rosedale. Several sections of the paths I walked along, checking for any problems, had been improved under the leader programme.
The North York Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER Programme is a partnership of local organisations, community groups and individuals who have secured £3.1 million in total from Defra and the European Union through Yorkshire Forward and One North East as part of the Rural Development Programme for England.

the sign to look

Under this scheme paths are made more accessible, seats provided where necessary and signing improved. The pictures below show where a stile, a very difficult one made of stones, has been replaced by a gate. Although there were some parts of this particular path that were not flat it was certainly earlier to use than others in the national park.
www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/leader

the new gate

the original stone stile

People may wonder why this expenditure in a time of cut backs; but walking has been shown to be so good for our mental and physical health that in the long run this could save the Health Service far more money than has been spent. Besides, everyone is entitled to use the paths we all contribute to through our taxes, so making some easier to use is surely only fair.

Later on I am watched by some very curious goats and an unusual pig.

The goats run after me, it's a bit early for milking, perhaps they think I might have some food, if so they are disappointed!

time for lunch

After a wonderful mix of paths and scenery, stream side, field edge, moor land and the old ironstone railway, I finish my patrol. A broken stile and a few misleading signs to report when I get home and then off to hear Joan Baez in York, a lovely end to a very good day.