Lord Smith of Finsbury is now well known as the President of the Ramblers’ Association, but in 1997 – as plain Chris Smith MP – he became Culture Secretary in Tony Blair’s incoming government.
Working with colleagues he paved the way for the introduction of the Access legislation that is now well used by ramblers and hillwalkers throughout England and Wales.
In this interview we talk to Lord Smith about the 100 year fight to introduce a right to roam, consider how these laws might be extended further and how we can best give young people better opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.