Walking holiday specialist Ramble Worldwide marks 80 years with free guided walks across UK, including in Stratford-upon-Avon
One of Britain’s oldest walking holiday companies is celebrating 80 years in business by giving the public the chance to explore some of the country’s most iconic landscapes, free of charge.
Eight decades on the trail
Ramble Worldwide, founded in 1946 as the holiday-planning arm of the Ramblers’ Association, has spent 80 years opening up mountains, coastlines and countryside to walkers of all abilities.
Over that time, more than 1.5 million people have explored the world with the company, which now offers over 300 tours to 52 countries. To mark its anniversary, the organisation has created a special programme of free guided walks throughout August, spanning 12 locations across England and Scotland and offering more than 400 walkers the chance to discover their local surroundings from a fresh perspective.
Shakespeare’s birthplace on foot
Among the highlights is a guided walk through Stratford-upon-Avon on August 11 and 16, taking in the riverside parks, historic market town streets and the iconic sights of Shakespeare’s birthplace. The easy-graded, circular route covers 6.5 kilometres and will be led by an experienced guide, making it ideal for all ages and fitness levels.
Wayne Perks, managing director of Ramble Worldwide, said: “We are passionate about making the great outdoors more accessible to people from all walks of life, so to celebrate our 80th anniversary we want to give more people the opportunity to try a guided walk, to meet our expert guides and other outdoors enthusiasts, and to discover the joy of walking and the beauty of the natural world on our doorstep.”
Walks with a purpose
Ramble Worldwide operates with a wholly charitable ethos. Surplus profits are channelled through the Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust, established in 1962, which funds nature conservation, community wellbeing and education projects across the UK.
Over 64 years, the Trust has supported hundreds of national and regional charities, from creating new rights of way and protecting natural landscapes, to inclusive outdoor challenges for people with disabilities and mountain rescue initiatives.
How to take part
All walks last between two and four hours, are graded as easy, and are free to attend. Places must be booked in advance via the Ramble Worldwide website. With growing awareness of the mental and physical benefits of time spent in nature, the anniversary programme offers a timely and accessible way for local residents and visitors alike to explore one of England’s most celebrated towns on foot.
