Ceredigion AM Elin Jones has emphasised the importance of walking to the local tourist industry by joining Ramblers Cymru at the launch of a campaign to make Wales the best walking country in the world.

Elin Jones attended the launch event of the ‘Wales for Walking’ campaign, which involved people walking all over the largest map of Wales ever produced.

Elin Jones said:

“Following this winter’s storms, we need to let everyone know that Ceredigion is open for business, and what better way to do that than by emphasising the wonderful opportunities for walkers.

“Ramblers Cymru are absolutely right that Wales could be the best walking country in the world. Walking is a key part of our county’s tourist industry. People come from far and wide to walk in Ceredigion, in the process supporting our hotels, campsites and businesses.

“In Ceredigion we have the glorious coastal path which, combined with the innovative ‘cab a bag’ scheme, will bring millions of pounds into the local tourist economy. We also have miles of inland forest trails and upland walks in places like Tregaron which allow people to see Ceredigion’s scenery, and community-owned walks such as Coed y Bont in Pontrhydfendigaid and Longwood in Lampeter.”

Angela Charlton, director of Ramblers Cymru, said

“We’d like to thank Elin Jones for supporting the campaign. We know walking can play a huge part in helping people to get fit and healthy, reducing the numbers of journeys made by car and improve a person’s connection to their own community and understanding of the world around them.”