The media, politicians and walkers up and down the country have all been joining in the celebrations for the Ramblers’ 75th anniversary. So far, more than 3000 people have joined in over 100 anniversary baton walks, with the baton journeying from the South West of England to the West Midlands, Wales and Scotland since January. The BBC’s ‘The One Show’ joined Ramblers from Colchester for one walk in February, and there were more journalists in attendance at a special walk organised by Manchester Ramblers to Kinder Scout, commemorating the Mass Trespass in April 1932.

Just before the General Election was called, the Rambler’s spent a week at the Houses of Parliament with a specially commissioned display celebrating past achievements and drumming up support for current campaigns, signing up 700 prospective parliamentary candidates to a new manifesto for walkers in the process. There was a similar display mounted by Rambler’s volunteers in Manchester town hall.

The world of publishing is also in on the act, with the recent launch of a new range of Ramblers walking guides and a special 75th anniversary coffee-table book of walks which will go on sale in September, with routes checked and devised by local Ramblers groups. While some high-profile politicians and friends of the Ramblers have been sending in their birthday wishes, including former presidents.

There are plenty more celebratory events to come, including an ambitious baton walk that circumnavigates the capital and summer picnics.