Local walker, Sam Phillips, recently spent two weeks travelling Japan where he met residents, tried lots of new foods and promoted Ross-on-Wye. The expedition was organised by the group Walkers are Welcome, of which Sam is the National Chairman. He was accompanied by a translator, and travelled over with some other members of the Walkers are Welcome group.

Walkers are Welcome is a non-profit making Community Interest Company. They are a nationwide initiative launched in 2007 to encourage towns and villages to be welcoming to walkers. The group now have over 100 member towns, as well as a steady flow of applications for membership.

Walkers are Welcome aims to ensure that villages and towns are attractive to walkers, with excellent information on local walks and have footpaths and facilities for walkers that are maintained, improved and well signposted. Participating towns and villages also contribute to local tourism plans and regeneration strategies, promote the health benefits of walking and increase participation and encourage the use of public transport.

Sam spoke to people of all ages across Japan to explain this concept and encourage travellers to head over to Ross-on-Wye and experience a town which has been accredited as a Walkers are Welcome area.

Sam said: “The people in Japan are so warm and welcoming. There is a different type of politeness out there that is very different to here. Even if you catch the eye of a stranger on the street, they will acknowledge you and bow to you. This was a fantastic trip, I experienced things that I never have before.”