PUT your best foot forward at this year’s Farnham Walking Festival – launching this weekend with more than 30 walks to choose from over the next three weeks.
The festival, which runs until June 4, offers a great opportunity to explore Farnham and its surrounding villages and countryside – offering walks of all lengths, many led by local history and nature experts.
It kicks off on Saturday with two guided walks: a five-mile spring circular walk starting from Bentley Church or a ten-mile walk through the Bourne to Pierrepont.
Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Alan Earwaker, said: “If you like being out and about in the fresh air, I encourage you to pick up a walking festival brochure or browse our website at www.farnham.gov.uk/walkingfestival to find a walk or two that appeal.
“Each walk will be led by an expert guide who will share their knowledge and open your eyes to some amazing sights.
“We are delighted to offer this wonderful opportunity for people to explore the local area and, thanks to generous support from our sponsors, the festival is completely free of charge.”
Sally Tidy, chief executive at The Abbeyfield Wey Valley Society and gold sponsor, said: “Walking is a wonderful way to stay active and presents social opportunities too.
“We are proud to be sponsoring the walking festival which includes walks for a variety of interests including local history walks, a bat walk for beginners, walks with spectacular views and routes that explore local waterways.
“Many walks also incorporate a bite to eat or refreshments at a local hostelry!”
Farnham Veterinary Hospital is the walking festival’s gold sponsor. Clinical director Kevin Clayton said: “Sponsoring the Farnham Walking Festival is a great way for us to get involved in the community and on Saturday, June 4, we are proud to be closing the festival with a charity dog walk in Farnham Park.
“The walk will raise money for the Cinnamon Trust which is a charity that is very close to our hearts as it provides support for elderly and terminally-ill people with pets.
“We look forward to welcoming lots of local dog walkers and their four-legged friends!”
Farnham Walking Festival is the first event in the town council’s summer programme, sponsored by Kidd Rapinet. Some walks require advance booking. See www.farnham.gov.uk/walkingfestival