TGO contributor Phoebe Smith has been invited to be President of the Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA)
Phoebe is an award-winning travel writer, photographer, presenter and broadcaster specialising in adventure, walking, camping, travelling solo, reviewing gear and wildlife conservation. She is Editor-at-Large and Wander Woman at Wanderlust, the UK’s longest-running travel magazine, and author of 8 books including Extreme Sleeps, Adventures of a Wild Camper, and Wilderness Weekends.
“I am delighted to be invited to be President of the LDWA,” says Phoebe, “a wonderful organisation of which I have been a fan for many years. Their database of walking paths all over the UK has inspired many of my own adventures and their get-up-and-go spirit, walking group meets and long-distance challenges doubtless encourage many more people to get outside. I cannot wait to work with them to take the message of the benefits of walking to as many people as possible. Exciting times lie ahead – watch this space.”
David Morgan, Chair of the LDWA, said, “We first met Phoebe when she was guest speaker at our AGM dinner. We were enthralled at her stories and the challenges she sets herself.  It all seemed so familiar to our way of thinking. We decided that we just had to invite Phoebe to be our President and are so pleased to announce that she has accepted.”
Having Phoebe as President comes at an ideal time for the LDWA. Membership is growing strongly. Long-distance path information, Challenge Walks and Social Walks are all being expanded and the 43 Local Groups are ever more active.  The website ldwa.org.uk is being  redesigned and provides a wealth of information for anyone interested in long-distance walking.
Phoebe will be at the head of the LDWA as its national profile is continually being widened and its activities increasingly providing long distance walking opportunities for everyone.