Wednesday 23 September
Although I have started refereeing again on a Sunday, I am missing the walks I would be doing with the Gentleman’s Film & Leisure Club. Sadly, I need an additional day in the weekend.
I love packing my backpack, getting my boots on and researching the route beforehand. The preparation is all part of it. I know it’s hardly scaling Kilamanjoro or trekking to the South Pole but the process is similar(ish).
I love the signage that keeps the walker on track. The little plastic disks that are screwed on to wooden posts along a route are often identifiable from distance. All are heartwarming to see as they reassure you that you have taken the correct turns and will not need to back track.
You never see the people who put these up or maintain the wooden posts they’re attached to. The fallen are propped up by well-meaning ramblers against shrubs and hedges.
The striking and identifiable designs and artwork are little wonders of their own. But they also carry a code in their colours. Yellow arrows (the most common signs around the UK) mean the paths are for walkers only. Blue arrows indicate bridleways whilst red arrows indicate walkers, horses, cyclists and motor vehicles can use the route. Acorns show that it is part of a national path way.
Juxtaposed alongside the little oblong cards I use in refereeing football matches. Yellow means you need to ‘watch your step’ whilst red requires you to take a short walk, off the pitch.
Oh, and a word to the wise. Trespassing cannot be prosecuted as it is a civil offence not a legal one. As long as you don’t damage anything.
The Bald Birder 