Walking Festival

The programme for Herefordshire’s second Walking Festival is now available, listing all the rambling and gastronomic delights that are in store this year.

The nine-day festival from 14 June to 22 June includes almost 60 walks, ranging from one to 17 miles. There are at least five walks scheduled each day with more at weekends.

Many of the walks are based on Herefordshire’s well-known attractions such as the Mortimer Trail, the Wye Valley Walk and Offa’s Dyke. These are complemented by opportunities to explore lesser known areas of the county and areas not normally open to the public.

One third of the walks are accessible via public transport and one of the walks is specifically designed for wheelchair users.

With this years special focus on food and drink, many of the walks on offer also have tantalising culinary themes.

One mouth watering offering is a hilly walk from Kington to Offa’s Dyke, stopping for a three course Sunday lunch at the award winning Stagg Inn, Flavours of Herefordshire Restaurant of the Year 2002.

Another festival highlight are two walks arranged on Midsummers Day, 21 June, to greet the dawn. A 3am start climbing Midsummer Hill in the east of Herefordshire whilst in the west a climb of Hatterall Cairn has been arranged to catch the rising sun.

“Last year’s inaugural festival was a great success and we expect this year’s to be even bigger and better. Teaming together two of the county’s greatest assets - our wonderful scenery and fantastic food - should entice even more visitors.” Said Jane Lewis, Principal Tourism Officer.

“Half of the walks have been planned with a food and drink theme in mind. Whilst all walks offer you fantastic opportunities to explore the many delightful corners of Herefordshire,” added Jane.

The Programme of Events is available at all Tourist Information Centres or on-line at http://www.walkingfestival.com/