Issue - meetings

Genni Butler

Genni Butler reported on the findings of an evaluation of the Nantwich Riverside Loop project, which was completed in May 2011.

The Nantwich Riverside Loop was a three-mile circular walking route which had been designed to encourage people to walk a bit further than they normally walk. The route, signposted in both directions, ran along the River Weaver, then across fields to the Shropshire UnionCanal where it followed the improved towpath up to the aqueduct over the Chester Road, before returning to the town via the historic Welsh Row

The Riverside Loop was a partnership project involving Cheshire East Council and British Waterways with support from voluntary organisations including Riverside Concern, Nantwich in Bloom, Nantwich Civic Society, Shropshire Union Canal Society, Nantwich Town Council, Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Council. The towpath improvement works were funded by a grant secured from Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd (WREN).

To guide walkers around the Loop a new leaflet had been published. The leaflet included a map, directions and information on the history of the riverside, canal and other features along the route. An evaluation card had been inserted in the first tranche of leaflets to gather evidence as to the value of the route and the usefulness of the leaflet.

Eighty responses had been received so far and of these responses:

95% said that the leaflet encouraged them to walk the route

90% said that having walked the route they are more likely to explore other walks in the area

94% said they preferred to find information on walks in a leaflet

29% stated the internet as a preferred source of information

94% said they feel healthier having been out for a walk

98% know that walking could improve their physical and mental health

68% of respondents reported that they were trying to exercise more or had been recommended by their doctor or health professional to exercise more