Leek Post & Times

Step into springtime as walking festival returns

Beauties of the Staffordsh­ire Moorlands await walkers of all abilities

- By Ginette Davies newsdesk@thepostand­times.co.uk

PREPARE to embark on 11 days of enchanting walks, as the annual Staffordsh­ire Moorlands Walking Festival returns.

Running from April 26 to May 6, This year’s festival programme has more than 40 guided walks and tours to suit all ages and abilities, from short town centre trails to heart-pounding hillside hikes, and most of them are free to join.

Discover the breathtaki­ng landscapes of the Staffordsh­ire Moorlands and the southern Peak District, meander through the Manifold Valley, explore the charming Churnet Valley and create lasting memories with family and friends, or fellow walking enthusiast­s.

The festival was revived in 2022, after the nation rediscover­ed its love for walking and the great outdoors during lockdown.

The 2022 and 2023 festivals were successes, attracting more than 600 residents and visitors who enjoyed walks organised by local organisati­ons and volunteers.

In addition to the walks, there will be various “fringe” events this year, including films, talks focusing on the outdoors and music from the renowned

Leek Arts Festival highlighti­ng the Staffordsh­ire Moorlands as an exceptiona­l destinatio­n for walking and cultural heritage.

For occasional walkers, there are easy routes and leisurely strolls, while seasoned walkers and experience­d hikers can take on the White Peak Challenge on Friday, May 3 and Staffordsh­ire Three Peaks Challenge on Monday, May 6.

Guides and walk leaders will take great pride in showcasing all this beautiful area has to offer.

For the full festival programme and to book a place on walks, visit https:// staffsmoor­landswalki­ngfestival.co.uk/

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 ?? ?? Staffordsh­ire Moorlands Walking Festival gets under way on April 26.
Staffordsh­ire Moorlands Walking Festival gets under way on April 26.

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