Julian Smith, Member of Parliament for Skipton and Ripon, welcomed members of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Mountaineering to the Yorkshire Dales on Friday (13 September).
Chris Bonington accompanied the group on a 13-mile walk from Ingleton to Horton-in-Ribblesdale. The route encompassed two of the Yorkshire Three Peaks – Ingleborough and Whernside.
The 'summit meeting' was covered by
ITV Calendar News and available to watch on Vimeo.
The walk was co-ordinated by the BMC which administers the APPG for Mountaineering. The APPG was formed in 2011 and is jointly chaired by David Rutley and John Mann. This is the group’s annual outdoor event.
MPs and Members of the House of Lords were joined by representatives of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Yorkshire Dales Society, the Clapham-based Cave Rescue Organisation, Outdoor Industry Association, Plas y Brenin and the BMC.
The Parliamentarians who took part in the walk were: David Rutley, Lord Haworth, Lord Tony Greaves, Greg Mulholland, Derek Twigg, Nic Dakin and Julian Brazier.
The route followed the steep stone steps on Ingleborough which were recently repaired as part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Three Peaks Project. The project received funding from the BMC’s Access & Conservation Trust (ACT).
Dave Turnbull, BMC chief executive, said:
“There’s no better way of appreciating the huge contribution that mountain-related activities bring than by experiencing them first hand. This annual gathering brings together politicians and key local stakeholders to celebrate and discuss the important contribution of mountain-pursuits to the health and well-bring of the nation and also to the local economy.
“The Britain on Foot campaign is underway to encourage more Brits to reap the health benefits of outdoor activities such as walking. We hope this will raise awareness of the campaign both in and out of parliament.”
Julian Smith said:
“I am delighted to be able to welcome Parliamentarians from across the country to the Yorkshire Dales and to be able to showcase the stunning scenery and landscape we have in my constituency.
“The aim of the event is to promote ‘Britain on Foot’, a campaign to encourage more people in Great Britain to get more active outdoors and explore our country through walks.
“With the Tour de France passing through Craven next year, the coming 12 months are hugely important at showcasing the important health benefits of physical activity and the benefits of exploring this part of the world on two feet or two wheels.
“Walkers also play a huge part in boosting our economy through their use of tea rooms and cafes to bed and breakfasts and hotels. The more we can do to encourage people to sample the Yorkshire Dales, the better.”
Find out more about Britain on Foot.
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