Ramblers Association

The Ramblers Association was formed in 1935. It grew out of the National Council of Rambling Federations which in turn was formed in 1930 as an amalgam of the local Federations of Rambling clubs which had been increasing in number since 1905. The association consists of a National Council, responsible for general policy, and an Executive Committee which controls the work of the association. It is organised locally into Areas, which are responsible for all local activities and for recruitment of members.

The association's main aims are to protect public paths and rights of way, including provision of signposts and other waymarkers; to increase access for walkers by establishing statutory rights of access; to safeguard the countryside from overdevelopment and pollution by organising national and local campaigns; to educate the public about their rights and responsibilities in respect of the countryside.

Past presidents of the association have included Tom Stephenson, an eminent walker and journalist who steered the association through its early years, Janet Street-Porter, journalist and television personality and Fay Godwin, photographer and countryside campaigner.