Walkers old and new took to country paths and town centre streets in Guildford in July for this year’s Walkfest. The festival takes place for two weeks every July and offers short strolls and long-distance walks all around the Borough with the aim of encouraging local residents to take part in a low-cost, healthy activity, whilst also enjoying the beautiful countryside.
Now in its eighth year, Walkfest, which is supported by Guildford Borough Council and run by Guildford Walking Forum would like to thank their sponsor Bevan Wilson, Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinics, for their support during this year’s event. Without their hard work and continued support, the event would not have seen the kind of success that brought in nearly 500 walkers across the two weeks.
Seventeen local walking groups and one local expert offered a range of walks, from a sixteen-mile Guildford to Godalming hike, to a half-mile look at the history of Guildford town centre by the Guildford Town Guides. The University of Surrey also provided a walk for all abilities, whist Surrey Wildlife Trust, the RSPB, Friends of the Earth, the Guildford Environmental forum and a medical herbalist provided walks with wildlife interest. Regular local walking groups, including the Guildford Rambling Club, the Ramblers Association, and Age UK also took part.
Lead Councillor for Environment, Cllr Matt Furniss, has said, “Walking is an excellent, low-cost way to keep fit and enjoy some of our beautiful borough and local heritage. It’s great that almost 500 walkers took part in another successful event this summer.”
Walkfest 2014 went all around the Guildford borough and walkers saw the local sights in Bramley, Chilworth, Shalford, Godalming, Fairlands, Burpham, Broadwater, Farnham, Wanborough, Puttenham, Wood Street, Pirbright, Ripley, Elstead and Shere. Some of the particular highlights included Watt’s Gallery, Loseley House, Semaphore Tower, the River Wey, Shalford Mill, the Chantries and St Martha’s, Pewley Downs, Waverley Abbey, Hatchlands Park, Clandon Woods, Silent Pool and Newlands Corner.
Residents interested in organising a walk for next year’s event should contact Guildford Borough Council on 01483 444549.
James Martin
Image at top sourced from: http://tinyurl.com/o585tmd