By Mark Owen, Former South West Coast Path National Trail Officer’
According to Visit England, walking is Britain’s most popular outdoor recreation. It’s popular among international visitors too with nearly one-quarter of overseas visits including a walk in the countryside on their itinerary. The domestic market is also strong: in 2015 16.5 million overnight domestic tourist trips involved a long walk, hike, or ramble. It’s even more popular than visiting a beach and has the added benefit of being less seasonal! In this article, we take a look at ways in which you can make your business a top-stop-off for walkers and tap in to a lucrative revenue stream.
New Tamar Valley Walking Routes are Coming
Over the next year, the Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme has several projects coming to fruition that aim to attract more walkers to explore the beauty and heritage of the Tamar Valley. These include the creation of a new 7-day walking trail following the River Tamar from sea to source linking both coasts and new online information about short walks within the Tamar Valley AONB. These short walks will range from routes suitable for people with prams or mobility issues up to a full-day hike – so something for everyone.
Attract more walkers in 10 easy steps (pun intended)!
if you are an accommodation provider there are some easy steps you can take to make your business more attractive to walkers and so directly benefit from these projects. These can be split into the facilities you provide and how you promote yourself;
As well as the standard guest facilities, walkers will appreciate:
if you are an accommodation provider there are some easy steps you can take to make your business more attractive to walkers and so directly benefit from these projects. These can be split into the facilities you provide and how you promote yourself;
As well as the standard guest facilities, walkers will appreciate:
1. Somewhere for muddy boots
Somewhere walkers can take off muddy boots and wet clothing before they come in, so that they don’t feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. This could be a front hall or a sturdy porch that one enters wearing muddy boots before taking them off; perhaps with a storage rack too. After all, no one wants to be hopping around in the rain outside, worried about dropping mud or dripping on the clean carpet!
2. Somewhere to dry stuff
A way of drying boots and waterproofs overnight. This doesn’t need to be a formal drying room – it could be a simple shed or pantry equipped with a dehumidifier.
3. A hearty breakfast
And for those super-energetic souls that set off early, an option to help themselves.
4. Some Scrummy Goodies
The option to have a packed lunch prepared and a flask filled. Then perhaps some tea and biscuits or a slice of cake when guests return after their walk.
5. A Map!
A selection of 1:25,000 scale Ordnance Survey Explorer maps for guests to borrow (we suggest that you make available the Lower Tamar Valley and Dartmoor maps at the very least). As well as paper maps, a tiny bit more money will buy durable laminated versions.
Top Tip: maps look great framed on a wall. On the Ordnance Survey website, you can buy a custom map centred on your location.
6. Books!
Did you know that there’s a wealth of locally produced printed material that features local routes and local history too? From pamphlets to booklets and leaflets. Try your local Post Office or Visitor Information Centre for starters.
7. Don't forget the cyclists
All of these things are appreciated by cyclists too. However, they also like to have somewhere undercover and secure to store their bikes overnight. If you are able to provide access to a few tools, a pump or puncture repair kit for example, you’ll make their day (and maybe earn a great review too).
8. Tell everyone
If you want to stand out as one of the very best places to stay, that welcomes ramblers and walkers, that is even dog-friendly perhaps, make it clear on you own website and on listings on third-party sites like this one too. Tell everyone that you’re the perfect base for walkers and boast about your walker-friendly, cycle-friendly and if appropriate dog-friendly facilities.
9. Build a Local Walks page
You could even consider building a dedicated page on your website about walking routes nearby sot that people can read about them before the arrive. Top Tip: Personalise the page by telling the readers which ones are your particular favourites. At the bottom of this page you’ll find links to some of our favourite local walks. We’ll be adding more soon, so bookmark this page.
10. Walkers are Welcome
As well as making your own business walker-friendly, by collaborating with other businesses you can reach a whole new audience and attract new walkers (particularly out of the main season) to the area by helping your town or village to become ‘Walkers are Welcome’ accredited. This is a nationwide initiative with over 100 accredited Walkers are Welcome towns and villages, bringing benefits to visitors, residents, their communities and the local economy too.
And finally,
Experiencing the Tamar Valley on foot, or on two wheels plays a surprisingly big role in protecting the environment. After all, walking or cycling reduces air pollution, helps biodiversity, reduces noise pollution and…. creates the need for more accessible green spaces!
Happy walking!
