A chara, - "To explore, enjoy, protect, respect our beautiful countryside" was adopted by the Irish Ramblers Club as our motto, or mission statement, some 40 years ago. It captures the essence of rambling.
The new national countryside code being prepared by Comhairle na Tuaithe (The Irish Times, January 18th) should include similar aims, with the support not only of ramblers but of all stakeholders in the countryside, including landowners.
Alongside the new code, Minister O Cuív must provide reasonable and responsible access to the countryside for walkers, which includes just about everyone. This is urgently needed by rural and urban dwellers. It is essential for the development of tourism and to reverse the most regrettable decline in the number of visitors coming to our rural areas.
For the health and well-being of the nation, we also need a national walking strategy and new and extended national parks. Let's work together, as we walk together, otherwise we will all lose. - Is mise,
SEAN O'CUINN, An Charraigh Dhubh, Co Átha Cliath.