Walkers brave weather to celebrate walking festival
Frequent rain showers failed to dampen the spirits as the third Warwickshire Walking Festival proved bigger and more popular than ever.
Hundreds of walkers turned out to enjoy a week of fun and exercise in Warwickshire’s beautiful countryside and historic towns.
More than 70 guided walks were on offer thanks to the local walking groups, tour guides and experts that contributed walks to the festival programme. Walks for all abilities were included, from a 15-mile hike to a gentle stroll around town, and an accompanied Wheelchair Walk along the river Avon.
The nine-day festival, organised by Warwickshire County Council’s Countryside Recreation Team, kicked off on the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend. Despite a wet start to the week more than 700 walkers made the most of this chance to get out and about and discover some of the county’s most popular spots and hidden gems.
Many also enjoyed learning more about Warwickshire’s rich history, landscape and wildlife on the many themed walks.
Funds were raised during the week for Macmillan Cancer Support thanks to the generous donations made by those attending the walks.
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “I’m delighted to see that more than 700 walkers made it out this year for events across the county. And due to the event’s increasing popularity another Walking Festival is already being planned for next year, and this is expected to take place from 24th May to 1st June 2008.
“I’d also like to pass on my thanks on behalf of the festival organisers to ARUP Consulting Engineers for sponsoring the 2007 Warwickshire Walking Festival.”
The programme of walks for next year will be available early in 2008 and will be published in the Festival Guide and on the website: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/walkingfestival. To get involved or to join the mailing list for the 2008 Festival Guide call 01926 413427 or email paths@warwickshire.gov.uk.