Pembrokeshire residents who took part in a postal survey have given a very encouraging 'thumb's up' for the National Park's extensive network of public paths. Over 500 households responded and more than three-quarters said they used National Park paths frequently and thought they were maintained to a high standard. A field survey conducted last summer has reinforced this view. Special 'post boxes' were installed at eight locations countywide and over 1,350 individuals completed the questionnaires. They were accompanied by 2,000 adults and 600 children - representing feedback from nearly 4,000 walkers. Over two-thirds of the respondents were visitors - half staying locally and the other half on day visits. Half were aged between 46 and 65 and more than 75 per cent used country paths at least once a week. The Park Authority's access officer, Anthony Richards, said: "The positive, spontaneous comments about country paths far outweighed any negative criticism, also suggesting high levels of satisfaction. "The surveys have highlighted new challenges for the authority - for example, on transportation, signposting and in making more and more people aware of where they can go and what they can do in our county." • In addition to the Coast Path - which provides 186 miles (300 km) of walking around the coast of Pembrokeshire - there is an extensive network of 500 miles (800 km) of other public paths in the National Park. The Park Authority has published over 130 walks on its website http://www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk">www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk and web walk leaflets can also be obtained from Information Centres.
