More choice than ever for ramblers (From Ledbury Reporter)

More choice than ever for ramblers

9:10pm Monday 11th February 2013 in News By Robert Hale

MALVERN Walking Festival returns this year with its biggest and best programme yet.

The nine-day festival, from May 25 to June 2, has walks for everyone from the hardened enthusiast, to those looking for more gentle rambles.

This year’s flagship event is a new 63-mile exploration trail, taking walkers from the Black Mountains to the Malvern Hills in six stages.

Led by Bob Baldwin, the walk takes in features of interest including the historic market town of Monmouth and the spectacular scenery of Symonds Yat.

Another multi-day walk is the Teme Theme Trail, which covers 33 miles from Ludlow to Hanley William in three days.

Back by popular demand is the Worcestershire Way in a Day, setting a strenuous pace to cover 33 miles from Bewdley back to Malvern.

Also popular are the Malvern Hills End-to-End, and the more demanding End-to-End and Back, and the 16-mile Ledbury to Malvern – the Hilly Route.

For those who want less strenuous outings, there are chances to explore Mathon’s valleys, Bromyard downs, the Madresfield estate and much more.

Dr John Harcup will be guiding visitors around historic Malvern and Peter Smith leads a walk highlighting the town’s artistic connections.

Festival organiser Ray Roberts said: “As always, it’s really popular. Some of the walks are half sold out only a couple of days after we published the programme.

“It attracts walkers from all over the world. Half of our tickets are sold outside the WR postcode and we’ve had walkers from Australia and America taking part."

For more information, visit malvern-hills.info.

Tickets are also available from the tourist information centre, Church Street.