The aims of the Geopark Way project are to establish a long distance Landscape and Geology walking trail through the Abberley and Malvern Hills European Geopark, and to write and publish an accompanying trail guide.
The Geopark Way trail will begin in Bridgnorth, Shropshire and finish in Gloucester. The choice of footpaths that the trail will follow will be dictated primarily by the geology and landscape i.e. the route that allows for the best interpretation and geological story. Additionally the trail will include sites and vistas that show how both man and nature have utilised, and have been influenced, by the local geology and landscape. All the footpaths used will be public rights of way. Each path will be assessed for its suitability by rating its “walk-ability”: its gradient, condition and the state of its furniture. In the routing of the trail we would hope to include land that has received ‘Access Provision Funding’ under the Agri-Environment Scheme.
The published guide will take the reader and walker on a geological journey through the Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark. It will describe and interpret all the geological sites found along the trail and use the abundance of views to convey the story of the geological evolution of the Geopark. The publication will describe the routing of the trail between Bridgnorth and Gloucester. This written description will be accompanied by detailed maps (based on O.S. maps). The publication will also provide information on alternative ways to enjoy the Geopark Way other than purely by foot. Emphasis will be placed on public transport routes that link sections of the trail. National and local cycle routes will be shown on the maps within the guide, along with advertisements of local bike hire companies and canoe hire. The guide will also promote and advertise national public transport as a means to and from travel to the Geopark.
A significant aspect of this project will be to encourage involvement of local communities in the development of the Geopark Way.
Through this community liaison, people’s appreciation and enjoyment of their natural environment will be fostered and their understanding of the important local Earth Heritage will be aided.
Along the length of the route, the guide will provide information on accommodation, places to eat, tourist information centres and other attractions. Local companies associated with outdoor pursuits such as canoeing, boating, fishing and cycle hire will be listed. Efforts will be made to identify businesses in the area which have received grants through ERDP schemes, for example: farm diversification projects into tourist accommodations, eateries, along with farm co-operative initiatives. Local and regional produce, for example: meats, cheeses, wines and beers, along with local arts and crafts, farmers’ markets and farm shops will also feature in this publication. Thus the reader will be provided with a comprehensive, rurally focused, guide to the area.
The project will be launched in late summer 2008.
The Format of the Geopark Way Trail Guide
The guide will be a 110 page spiral bound A5 booklet.
The first page of the guide will be an extendable map of the Abberley and
Malvern Hills Geopark depicting the route of the trail.
The next section of the guide will give an overview of the geology found
along the route of the Geopark Way and will introduce key aspects of geology
(rock categories, geological time, geological processes) to the reader.
The main section of the guide will focus on the trail itself.
The trail will be split into up to 15 geographical sections. The text for each section will:
- give route directions
- describe the geology and landscape in a manner suitable for people with no previous knowledge of Earth Science
- interpret the sites and vistas. Diagrams photographs, line drawings of fossils and artists’ impressions of past environments will be included as appropriate
- encourage the reader to use his/her imagination to visualise past geological events and circumstances which have led to the formation of the rocks and landscapes which they can see before them today
- explain the influence that geology has had on the environment both natural and man-made. For example; its influence on wildlife habitats and the use of rocks as natural resources (building stones, coal, aggregates and iron etc)
- feature the rich and diverse character of the wildlife, the biodiversity, the archaeology and the historical heritage found along the trail.
Each of the geographical sections will have its own detailed map. Each of these maps will show:
- The trail route
- Sites of interpretation
- Sites of interest
- Accommodation
- Places to eat
- Public telephones
- Cash machines
- Shops
- Public toilets
- Public transport information
The final pages of the guide will include:
- A Glossary
- Contact details for organisations
- Accommodation
- Places to eat
- Tourist attractions
- Local events
- Outdoor pursuit hire companies
Finally, the guide will emphasise the need to conserve this special area and create a sustainable environment for the future. Nature conservation organisations and sites will be indicated where appropriate along the trail.
