Rutland Ramblers honours John Williams, Creator of the Rutland Round

The Rutland Round is walked by many, taking in 65 miles of glorious Rutland countryside. Clearly waymarked with distinctive oakleaf and acorn signs, the path has been a source of enjoyment for local people during lockdown. It also attracts many visitors to the county. Whilst not as long as the South West Coastal Path or as challenging as the Pennine Way, it offers all the charm that only Rutland could offer.

The idea for the Rutland Round originated from early discussions to create a series of walking routes in Rutland – a new walk every year. The originator of the Rutland Round, John Williams, though had other thoughts – create a circular path effectively beating the bounds of Rutland taking in all the major elements of the county. Working closely with the newly appointed Rutland Council Footpaths Officer, the CPRE (Campaign for Rural England), Rutland Ramblers, Anglian Water and the County Council, John and his team achieved Lottery funding and contributions from different sources and set about creating the Rutland Round we now know.

The project involved lots of pre-planning, onsite checking of the route by Rutland Ramblers and in 1998 the whole route was completed for the first time by The Rutland & Harringworth Chowder and Marching Society. John put pen to paper and wrote the book, The Rutland Round, which was published complete with maps and anecdotes in 2000 and is available at all good book shops plus of course Amazon!

As John says "the paths in Rutland were pretty rubbish; now they are some of the finest in the country." The Rutland Round helped the county to look at its paths and to get local people interested in the paths around them. The county's new Footpath Officer was tucked away behind a filing cabinet – not exactly a high-profile job - and the role had only just been split away from managing the county's road network.

Paths until then were poorly signed with barbed wire in places, such that great use was made of the Rutland Mercury. As John explained "It was small enough to fit in your rucksack, yet thick enough to go over the stile and protect you from the barbed wire."

Retiring to Morcott in 1994, John had always been kept busy as a Headmaster at primary schools around the country. Living and working in places like the Cotswolds and the edge of the New Forest, his interest in walking goes back years, along with his involvement with the Ramblers. It's not about just getting exercise, it's about campaigning and making sure there are decent paths for all. As a former chairman of a parish council, he is well versed in planning and footpath issues.

Meanwhile, as a member of the Countryside Access Forum in Rutland, he has been one of a small team of volunteers who provide independent advice on ways to improve public access to land. And after 20 years or more as Rights of Way Officer for Rutland Ramblers, he has only recently stepped down and passed over his mass of knowledge and files to the new team.

Rutland Ramblers will be making a "small" presentation to John and his wife Tricia on Sunday, 22nd August at 2.30pm at Ketton Sports Club. It's a chance to celebrate John's contributions to rambling, In the morning there's the normal Rutland Rambler's Sunday walk, with non-walkers and a few of his old walk colleagues also being invited to the presentation. They know that we have 'something' for him, although obviously exactly what has yet to be revealed!

Further information

For more information on Rutland Ramblers and the range of walks see www.ramblers.org.uk/rutland New members are always welcome. No bookings required – just turn up with a pair of walking boots and have fun.

For more information on this press release please contact Michael Gillon on 07896 719698; Email michael.gillon7@gmail.com or Keith Busfield on 07568 707089; Email kbusfield@hotmail.co.uk

For those who know or have worked with John Williams, or members of the media who'd like to attend, please email michael.gillon7@gmail.com for an invitation.

(Source: Rutland Ramblers)