Final preparations are now in full swing for the second Gillingham Walking Festival taking place from the 5-13th September. The event will be launched on Saturday 5th September at 9.45am on the Town Meadow by the Mayor or Gillingham and our special guest Kate Ashbrook – President of the Ramblers national organisation. Enthusiastic walkers can then take a 5 or 20 mile walk.
The Festival offers a wide variety of walks throughout the week with two walks a day over nine days. There are short walks, accessible walks and longer rambles to suit all abilities. Some walks require booking in advance – so don’t miss out. New to this year’s programmes are Treasure Trails, Bat Detecting and a walk called ‘In the footsteps of Constable’ which takes you to locations where Constable painted.
“Following the success of the first Festival last year, we are excited to offer a wider variety of walks to explore the town’s heritage, surrounding countryside and wildlife. We intend that the festival becomes an annual event promoting walking opportunites for residents and for visitors. We are working to improve facilities for walkers and open up new routes. Look out for the new green and blue waymarkers. Red route coming soon.” Sheila Messer, chair of the Gillingham Walkers are Welcome Group.
All walks will start from the Town Meadow, unless advertised otherwise.
The Festival is supported financially by the Three Rivers Partnership and the Ramblers.
The Full Programme can be picked up from the Libraries in Gillingham,Wincanton and Shaftesbury, Gillingham Town Hall and villages stores. It is also available on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GillinghamWalkingFestival or the on web hosting page: www.threeriversgillingam.org
