Edmund Seyfang Taylor
Encyclopedia
Edmund Seyfang Taylor popularly known as "Walker Miles", was an early pioneer of rambling in the UK. He founded one of the predecessors of the modern-day Ramblers
of Great Britain and wrote numerous walking guides.
and was also associated with the Forest Ramblers and the Commons and Footpaths Preservation Society.
In 1905, along with representatives from other London-based clubs, Walker founded the Federation of Rambling Clubs. This proved to be the first of many such organizations around the country which eventually joined together to form the National Council of Ramblers Federations. In 1935 this became the Ramblers Association of Great Britain.
and Kent
area and were known for their meticulous attention to detail, with each new guide containing several pages of updates and corrections to previous books. They are credited with saving many little-known footpaths and rights of way from falling into disuse and being lost forever.
. His grave is marked with a notable sarsen stone which was erected by the rambling clubs of London. He is also remembered with a viewpoint indicator on top of the Leith Hill Tower, Coldharbour, Surrey
.
In April 2008, The Ramblers Association's Surrey Area clubs held a weekend of special walks to mark the centenary of his burial and to commemorate the "father of Surrey rambling". Ramblers Association Vice President David Sharp, who attended the commemoration, outlined the importance of Walker Miles' contribution, saying:
Ramblers
The Ramblers, formerly known as the Ramblers' Association, is the largest walkers' rights organisation in Great Britain which aims to look after the interests of walkers...
of Great Britain and wrote numerous walking guides.
Legacy
Walker Miles was the founder of the Croydon Rambling Cluband was also associated with the Forest Ramblers and the Commons and Footpaths Preservation Society.
In 1905, along with representatives from other London-based clubs, Walker founded the Federation of Rambling Clubs. This proved to be the first of many such organizations around the country which eventually joined together to form the National Council of Ramblers Federations. In 1935 this became the Ramblers Association of Great Britain.
Guidebooks
Walker wrote 37 pocket-sized books of 'field-path rambles' and published them via his own printing company which he inherited from his father. The pocket-sized guides covered walks in the SurreySurrey
Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...
and Kent
Kent
Kent is a county in southeast England, and is one of the home counties. It borders East Sussex, Surrey and Greater London and has a defined boundary with Essex in the middle of the Thames Estuary. The ceremonial county boundaries of Kent include the shire county of Kent and the unitary borough of...
area and were known for their meticulous attention to detail, with each new guide containing several pages of updates and corrections to previous books. They are credited with saving many little-known footpaths and rights of way from falling into disuse and being lost forever.
Commemoration
Walker is buried in the graveyard of St Nicholas' Church, GodstoneGodstone
Godstone is a village in the county of Surrey, England. It is located approximately six miles east of Reigate at the junction of the A22 and A25 major roads, and near the M25 motorway.-History:...
. His grave is marked with a notable sarsen stone which was erected by the rambling clubs of London. He is also remembered with a viewpoint indicator on top of the Leith Hill Tower, Coldharbour, Surrey
Coldharbour, Surrey
Coldharbour is a village in Surrey UK. It is situated on Leith Hill in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Europa Oil & Gas has submitted a planning application to Surrey County Council to explore for oil and gas in Coldharbour....
.
In April 2008, The Ramblers Association's Surrey Area clubs held a weekend of special walks to mark the centenary of his burial and to commemorate the "father of Surrey rambling". Ramblers Association Vice President David Sharp, who attended the commemoration, outlined the importance of Walker Miles' contribution, saying: