Dales Way pioneer in top role for bridge group (From Ilkley Gazette)

Dales Way pioneer in top role for bridge group

10:50am Friday 18th January 2013 in News

Dales Way pioneer Colin Speakman is to take a senior role with the Burley Bridge Association as a BBA stalwart prepares for a leading Ramblers’ Association role.

Author and walker Mr Speakman will become vice-president of the BBA.

The association is campaigning for a safe crossing of the Wharfe at Burley-in-Wharfedale.

“It is high time the powers-that-be saw to it that a bridge is built,” said Mr Speakman.

“The BBA has campaigned since 1996 for this very useful amenity but the public are still expected to cross a turbulent river by means of a line of damaged stones, which are rarely visible.”

Mr Speakman is a prolific author. His most recent – Walk! A Celebration of Striding Out – has become a hit with those interested in rural walking. He was a founder member of the Yorkshire Dales Society which is involved in many aspects of Dales life and is a promoter of public transport in the countryside.

Mr Speakman is best known as the originator of the Dales Way long-distance walk.

The 84-mile route runs between Ilkley and Bowness-on-Windermere.

The BBA president is journalist, broadcaster and keen walker Janet Street-Porter.

BBA founder and committee member Colin Newton will be made a vice-president of the West Riding Area of the Ramblers’ Association, at its annual meeting in Ilkley on Saturday, January 26.

He said: “It is a beautiful river but it can be dangerous and catch people out.

“We had the stepping stones repaired but the river always has the last word. A bridge is needed, and should have been built before now.”