EXMOOR National Park Rangers from past and present gathered on North Hill for World Ranger Day and the unveiling of a new 1.5 mile circular route in memory of Exmoor’s first ever ranger – Jim Collins.

The walk, which starts and finishes at the car park near the old tank training grounds on North Hill near Minehead (grid ref: SS953474), was one of Jim’s favourites for its breath-taking views across Exmoor and the Bristol Channel. It was overlooked by the house he lived in until his death last year, aged 95.

At a gathering attended by dozens of Exmoor Rangers from over the decades, Dan Barnett, Exmoor National Park’s head ranger, said: “Jim maintained strong ties with the National Park right up to his death and I’m sure he’d be delighted to see his name commemorated as part of Exmoor’s much celebrated rights of way network, which he helped create.

“Jim was a real trailblazer and evidence of the work he started can be seen all over the National Park. This included some of the first waymarked rights of way and permissive routes on Exmoor, a task that meant winning over the hearts and minds of farmers, landowners and the public. It’s a skill still central to the job of rangering and to the success of our now 1,300km long access network, that we’re delighted to be celebrating here today with Jim’s family.”

Anew fingerpost signposting Jim's Path was unveiled with members of Jim's close family in attendance.

A display celebrating Jim Collins' life, and comparing how the job of the Exmoor Ranger has changed over the years, went on show in National Park Centre in Dunster last week.