West Sussex Walking Festival

The festival runs from Wednesday October 7 to Sunday October 11. The Walking Festival brochure giving information about the range of walks is out now.

You can learn how to read a map, discover the lost gardens of Ashdown Forest or maybe pick up a bit of Mid Sussex scandal.

A number of walks have been created specially for the Festival. Join storyteller Jamie Crawford on a journey 'Through the Woods', or get an insiders view of Wakehurst Place and the Loder Valley Nature Reserve.

West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: "The West Sussex countryside has much to offer and the Walks Festival is a great way of getting out and learning more about our history and heritage."

Vivien Lyth, from Festival Walks, said: "With walks covering distances from one to 12 miles, there really is something for everyone. There are children's events included in the programme for Saturday and Sunday with prizes from Regatta Great Outdoors, which supplies outdoor and leisure clothing. And there's a good social side to the Festival with friendships made and old acquaintances renewed."

The festival is organised by West Sussex County Council in association with Festival Walks and in partnership with Kew at Wakehurst.

For further information contact Festival Walks on 01903 812727 or e-mail [email protected]. Visit the County Council website at www.westsussex.gov.uk/walkingfestival to download a copy of the Walking Festival brochure and the booking form.