Nationwide Festival of Walking Kicks Off
From flip-flop walkers to fell walkers, The National Trust wants everyone to take a step in the right direction this autumn half term.
The Trust is holding its first ever Festival of Walking from October 22nd-30th with more than 1,000 events to help people get outdoors and closer to nature.
The Trust looks after more than 980 square miles of gardens, countryside and coast in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, most of which is free to visit so there's somewhere to walk wherever you live.
Walking is the best way to explore our sites. It's also an ideal way for families to spend time together outside, enjoying fresh air, exercising and learning about the history of our special places.
William Wake - The National Trust's Outdoor Coordinator
The festival comes at a time when more and more people are realising the health benefits of walking and spending time outdoors. Recent studies show it can help prevent a wide range of problems from depression to obesity and can even improve children's concentration.
There are walks to suit all ages and abilities, including wildlife walks, easy access walks and spooky walks for Halloween. You can join a guided walk or follow a trail at your own pace, and even regular ramblers will be in for a treat.
This festival will see the launch of hundreds of new walks. In the south-west alone 101 one-mile trails will be created and new paths will be laid across the country to enable people to access even more of our land.
Manager Philip Broadbent-Yale - The National Trust's Outdoor Programme
There are more than 250 walking trails available to download on the National Trust's website and as part of the Walking Festival, the Trust will be asking people to nominate their favourite places to walk for pleasure and inspiration.
Here are just a few of the events on offer at National Trust places:
Family Rambles
Nature Play Trail, Box Hill, London & South East
Come and play in the woods; explore and have fun on this level circular walk. Discover the simple pleasures of playing in the woods together with our natural play features hidden along the way.
A perfect walk for families and the young at heart.
Family Orienteering Treasure Hunt, Hardcastle Crags, Yorkshire & North East
Pick up an orienteering map from our information point and navigate around the course, answering questions and collecting objects along the way.
Certificate on completion.
Pumpkin Hunt Erddig, Wales
A great little walk for young visitors. Find all the pumpkins hidden around the garden. Ideal to run around and take your grown ups with you.
Make a pumpkin face to take home too.
Guided Rambles
Konik Pony Walk, Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, East of England
A guided walk with our grazing warden to find the konik ponies, and a chance to find out all about their habits, family life and why they are here at the Fen.
Barefoot Trail, Penwith South Coast, South West
A celebration of natural feet and walking we invite you to try our barefoot experience. Are pine needles your favourite? Or mud or smooth round rocks?
Winter Warmer Dune Walk, Portstewart Strand and Bann Estuary, Northern Ireland
Come and join us for a guided stroll through the sand dunes with our knowledgeable team. Hear about the work we will be doing over the winter and see the different winter flora and fauna.
Under your own steam
Wonderful White Cliffs Walk White Cliffs of Dover, London & South East
Come and join us at the iconic White Cliffs of Dover for a self-led walk.
We are offering a choice of different length walks that take in the beauty of the coast and cliffs.
NOTE - The National Trust's Director General Fiona Reynolds is attending this event.
Peninsula Challenge, Greenway & Coleton Fishacre, South West
A 22 mile walk over four days, covering the Kingswear Peninsula.
Over the Edge, Carding Mill Valley and the Shropshire Hills, Midlands
Challenge yourself to either walk or run the 17.5 mile course through the stunning Shropshire countryside at Wenlock Edge.
For more information about walks in your area,
or to download walking guides, visit:
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walkingfestival