Planning starts for 2008 Herefordshire Walking Festival

This summer's walking festival was such a success that Herefordshire Council is already planning a mid-summer treat for feet for 2008.

In spite of the torrential rain that fell during the 2007 festival, some 1,400 walkers from as far away as Edinburgh and Southampton, together with 60 children, still enjoyed a programme of 60 guided walks.

Themes included a mountain walk, cider orchards, birdwatching early in the morning, butterflies in the afternoon, moths in the evening and myriad calls of bats at night.

There was also a unique opportunity to walk with travel photographer, Nick Meers, learning how to maximise picture-taking opportunities during a spectacular storm.

The Mortimer Trail was walked over three days and the Ross Round over two days.

One of four Americans from Lucas County, Ohio, who set off from Kington to enjoy the Hedwigs of Herefordshire walk, said: "This was a wonderful walk and, when I return, I look forward to joining you again."

Other children became Landscape Detectives, learned of Marvellous Meadow Minibeasts and our Wild Connections.

Planning has now started for the annual Herefordshire Walking Festival which runs from June 14 to June 22, 2008.

The programme of walks, which cater for all abilities, is currently being put together and walk leaders willing to volunteer their services are being urged to get in touch.

For further information about becoming a walk leader please contact Lisa Richardson on 01432 260623 or Rob Hemblade on 01432 261981.