A MOVE to divert one of the most famous long distance paths in the UK to make it safer has taken a step forward.

Alf Wainwright’s renowned Coast-to-Coast Walk passes through the village of Danby Wiske, near Northallerton, to Lovesome Hill using busy public roads.

But plans have emerged to divert the route onto footpaths between the two villages to protect walkers from traffic on the increasingly busy roads.

Danby Wiske Parish Council enlisted the help of local MP Rishi Sunak who is campaigning to have the walk from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire designated a National Trail.

Mr Sunak wrote to North Yorkshire County Council, which has responsibility for public footpaths, asking the authority to consider the parish council’s request.

He said: “Wainwright used public roads on this section of the walk because he wanted to reach the North York Moors as soon as possible. But that was more than 40 years ago when there was much less traffic. The safety issue is clear and I fully support the parish’s initiative.”

The county council now plans to consult with the Wainwright Society – the custodian of Alf Wainwright’s legacy – about a possible diversion.

Parish council chair Margaret Goldie said: “There is a existing footpath route to Lovesome Hill across the fields but it is in a poor state and would need some work to make it suitable for the Coast-to-Coast Walk.”

She added: “The existing route along the roads is dangerous because there is no walkable verge, The parish council has erected signs along the road to warn motorists that walkers may be ahead but obviously the best solution is to avoid that situation altogether.”

The parish council’s move has also been backed by Mary Pearson, owner of the multi award-winning Lovesome Hill Farm B&B.

She said 25 per cent of her guests were doing the walk and the parish council’s suggested alternative route would bring the path almost to her door.

“At present, they have a short but tricky walk down the A167 Northallerton-Darlington road to reach us, often with a heavy pack after a long stretch from Richmond. The footpath route would be so much safer for everyone.”

Mr Sunak launched his campaign to have the walk designated as a National Trial last year with the support of the Wainwright Society and broadcasters Julia Bradbury and Eric Robson.