EVERYBODY walks, but if you really like walking, check out the cross-county extravaganza that is the Herefordshire Walking Festival this month.

Now entering its 13th year, the festival celebrates some of Herefordshire’s most beautiful and best-trodden paths.

Herefordshire Walking organiser Lisa Richardson said: “We are so happy to be working together to bring more walkers not only into the county, but also for residents to explore other parts of the county, they wouldn’t generally visit or even be aware of”.

Running from June 12-22, this year’s festival will, for the first time, include routes over Hereford’s new Connect2 suspension bridge.

It will also include walking with poles – Nordic walking – peregrine falcons at Symonds Yat and dog-friendly routes.

There is a full selection of guided walks taking in the length and breadth of the Herefordshire countryside.

Starting in 2002 as a show of solidarity among walkers following the foot and mouth crisis, the festival has gone from strength to strength.

This year it has been taken over by a group of enthusiasts and local businesses set on bringing the joy of walking to as many people as possible.

Ms Richardson said: “Being our first year as a voluntary organisation made us apprehensive as to how much of a success this year’s festival would be.

“Our worries were unwarranted as ticket sales are up on last year's sales at this time with very limited availability on some walks”.

To get your tickets, or for more information, visit www.walkingfestival.com or call 01432 352287.