National Trust to create 100 miles of paths and cycilng trails to shake country house image

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There is more to the National Trust than grand country houses.
That's the message behind the charity's latest announcement that it is to create 1,000 miles of footpaths, kayaking courses, cycling and horse riding trails by the end of thedecade.Concerned that the organisation is only associated with its impressive portfolio of historic properties, bosses have decided to promote the 660,000 acres of land the National Trust looks after.

New routes: National Trust want to create 1,000 miles of footpaths, kayaking courses, cycling and horse riding trails by the end of the decadeThe move comes amid growing concerns over a disconnection from nature, even though evidence shows getting outdoors can improve mental health and boost happiness and social involvement.Fiona Reynolds, director general of the National Trust, said: 'We want to play our part in helping to reconnect the nation with outdoor spaces, whether in the Lake District or a local park.'Over 100 years ago, one of the trust's founders, Octavia Hill, argued that quiet, air and exercise, together with the sight of sky and growing things, were human needs common to all people.'A growing body of research backs her intuition, but over a century later we still don't seem to value enough the physical and spiritual refreshment we get from our surroundings.'

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In 2011, the National Trust will be focusing on walking, with plans to get local communities to help design, create and walk for the first time the 100 miles of footpaths as part of a major outdoor celebration planned for October.Dame Fiona said: 'The footpaths we're going to be creat! ing on o ur existing properties, making it easier for people to get out of the garden and into the park, woodlands or lands around.'The new paths aim to break down the 'psychological inhibitor' of getting into the countryside caused by the absence of well-marked footpaths, she said.There will also be a series of seven cycling challenge rides at trust properties, the charity's first cycling festival and the development of new simple campsites in a number of locations.'There's something incredibly special about camping under the stars in some of the most amazing places in our countryside,' she said.In Snowdonia, the trust has just launched green yurt holidays and will be promoting its 30 bunk houses as places from which to enjoy walking weekends, the organisation added.