Ramblers Cymru has launched a campaign calling on the Welsh Government to invest in paths and improve access across the country.

The ‘Put your foot down and make a mark’ campaign will collect pledges from the public backing their call for action.

The walking charity has recently revealed that they have been receiving increasing reports that the path network is becoming less and less accessible, at a time where more people are exploring the outdoors.

Angela Charlton, Director of Ramblers Cymru said: “We believe that people should not only have the right to access the outdoors but should also have the right to know where they can access it. Missing and broken signage and blockages on the paths are becoming all too common obstacles to the enjoyment of being outdoors.

“The path network is part of our cultural heritage, connecting communities and providing us with the all-important health and wellbeing benefits we need.”

Ramblers Cymru would like to see the equivalent to 10 per cent of the active travel budget allocated for public rights of way improvements, which would go some way to helping the local authorities tackle the problems on the network.

The charity said they like to see a monitoring system in which local authorities are funded to monitor the paths, so there is a clear idea of the condition they are in and where the most extra investment is needed.

In a survey by Ramblers Cymru taken last autumn, 90 per cent of respondents said that they had experienced problems accessing public rights of way, with missing signs, overgrown and blocked paths amongst the main issues. Previous research in Torfaen and Monmouthshire had already reveaeled that almost 50 per cent of the signs for access to public rights of way were missing or damaged.

Ms Charlton added: “We want to be part of the solution and are already working on projects that support volunteers and local councils to take ownership of local paths, but so much more needs to be done.”