The countdown is on for this year’s Walking Festival which returns to the Staffordshire Moorlands this spring.
The event, which takes place from Friday, April 25 to Monday, May 5, features a choice of walks each day ranging from leisurely to strenuous so there’s something to suit everyone.
Most walks are free or low-cost and cater for a variety of interests whether looking for scenery, wildlife, or a challenge or to fuel local knowledge with historical walks and talks.
The walks are led by knowledge specialist walk leaders including those who can help identify spring flowers and plants.
Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, Cabinet member for Leisure and Tourism, said: “I can’t think of a better place for a walking festival – the Moorlands offers everything from stunning landscapes to thriving towns and villages with a range of fantastic accommodation and hospitality businesses to choose from.
“So we’re ideally placed to welcome walkers of all abilities and we’re delighted to once again be hosting this popular event which proved to be such a success last year. Being outdoors and moving more is good for us both physically and mentally so do come and join one, or more, of the guided walks and experience the great outdoors we’re so proud of in this part of the world.”
This year’s festival isn’t just about walking – a range of talks, film screenings, and special events will also be taking place at locations across the Moorlands.
Everyone is invited to the festival launch at the Butter Market in Leek on March 28 and 29.
The 2024 Festival attracted more than 900 attendees and featured more than 50 walks and events. More than 30 organisations were involved and the festival website had 70,000+ visits.
