Walking festival reveals Surrey's special places

The Mayor of Guildford Sallie Barker MBE launched Walkfest at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community Centre

A Surrey walking festival which encourages locals to explore the Guildford area is returning for its 18th year.

Guildford's free Walkfest hosts at least one walk every day throughout September.

Chris Howard, chairman of the Walkfest committee, said: "We live in such a beautiful area and yet many people who come on our walks are amazed at what special places lie right around the corner and they never knew about them."

The Mayor of Guildford, Sallie Barker MBE, said: "We’re so lucky to be in this gorgeous countryside...so it’s really great to go out and find new places that you never knew about."

Ms Barker officially launched the festival on Monday at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community Centre.

After the launch, a short walk around Whitmoor Common, led by Muddy Boots walk leader Jeanette Cattermole, marked the first day of the festival.

BBC Radio Surrey's Julia Gregory caught up with dog walkers at Whitmoor Common.

Sarah Bass called the common a "fantastic place" and said "we are very blessed to have somewhere where we know people can walk".

One dog walker said they go most mornings because "it's so beautiful and the dogs enjoy it".

Sarah Bass walking her dogs Teddy and Luther

The month-long celebration of walking is backed by Guildford Borough Council and walking groups including the Surrey Hills Society, Guildford Ramblers, Guildford Health Walks and the Town Guides.

Mr Howard, who will lead a 14-mile (22.5km) walk from Dorking to Guildford towards the end of the festival, added: "Walkfest is a fantastic community initiative that is free for everyone, is good for the body and great for the soul."

Walkfest co-ordinator Ken Bare said: "We’re getting new routes, new walks, new leaders every year."

Walks range in length and difficulty and cover the whole of the borough, while some stray a little further afield.

Walkfest will host a buggy walk, a toddler walk and "less strenuous strolls" targeted at people who want to "get back out exercising again".

Participators will have to book their space for the walks via Guildford Walkfest.

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