OTLEY’S credentials as a top walking destination have been highlighted during a tour of Japan.

Walkers are Welcome (WaW) Otley steering group member Randal Metzger, who also sits on the organisation’s national committee, has just returned from a busy two week trip to the country.

He had been invited by the Japanese Footpath Association to give a series of talks, as part of a small UK delegation, about WaW’s work.

Mr Metzger was accompanied by the Chair of WaW UK, Sam Philips, and Chair of WaW Bradfield, Chris Prescott on what he says was a ‘fascinating’ trip.

He said: “The Japanese Footpath Association have been coming over here for five years to visit different towns and villages and see the Walkers are Welcome scheme in action.

“They came to Otley two years ago and were also at the WaW tenth anniversary event last year, which was when we were approached and asked if we’d like to make this trip and travel across Japan, giving presentations.

“It was an absolutely great experience that involved travelling the length of the country and we were were looked after really well.

“Our first presentation was to a group of anthropology students where the lecturer wanted them to hear about how we were helping to regenerate local communities.

“I talked to them specifically about Otley and what we were doing in terms of promoting and maintaining local walks and creating new ones.

“We also gave a number of talks to smaller footpath association groups and took part in two very large symposiums where we were part of the panel, answering questions.

“Japan was one of the most interesting countries I have had the pleasure of viewing first hand and it was fascinating to see its attempts to open up its countryside for recreational purposes”

He also saw how parts of the country have been using the WaW model as a way of trying to boost tourism and walking-related activities.

The pastime is currently enjoyed very differently in Japan compared to the UK.

Mr Metzger said: “Virtually all of the land is privately owned, there is no Ordnance Survey map and most of the paths they have are hard-surfaced and prepared by local councils. Most walks are guided, too, so it’s very different.

“But there are a lot of walking groups that have now set themselves up and are working on trying to get leaflets together to promote walks in their areas, using a lot of our ideas.

“And one thing Japan is doing extremely well with is involving students which is something we could learn from by going and talking to people in related departments at our universities. “

A delegation from Japan is now planning to visit Otley next August to find out more about WaW Otley’s work and that of neighbouring groups.