Macclesfield: Get fit and meet new friends at September's Bollington Walking Festival.

The annual event will take place from 10 to 18 September 2022.

The Bollington Walking Festival team has put together a varied programme of walks for the eight day event. It is the first full-scale Festival since 2019.

Promoter Jo Maitland this to say about what we've got to look forward to.

The walks are curated for all-abilities, and offer a variety of scenery. (Image - Bollington Walking Festival)

"After a breather in 2020 and a lower key festival in 2021 we feel sure that the keen walkers among you will be more than ready to return to explore the wonderful countryside of Bollington and its environs," she said.

"For our 12th festival we have more than 30 walks planned, and all the regular favourites are here including the children's Bear Hunt for pre-school children led by the Bollington Library staff, the Mayor's Boundary Walk and a Nordic walking session as well as a variety of new excursions.

"Lengths range from half a mile to twenty miles, so there's something to suit all abilities and interests!

"Why not explore the history of the place where you live, or visit a local brewery? Maybe you want to get your walking confidence back? You might want to develop your creative skills in art or photography or want to have fun with your children or grandchildren. You'll be sure to find some appealing walks in the programme for the 12th Walking Festival.

The Festival was previously known as the Happy Valley Walking Festival. (Image - Bollington Walking Festival)

"We have a few new walks for this year including a Mindfulness Walk, a walk featuring folk and ghostly tales and a walk organised by the young people's charity Just Drop in and we have brought back some old favourites with the popular canal walk which includes either a return or outward trip on a barge and a Working up a Thirst – a hike to Mobberley taking in 2 or 3 pubs on the way before being bussed back to Bollington.

"We also have a walk to the Random Apple Company which includes a tour of their apple pressing process as well as a full range of hikes enjoying the fabulous scenery in every direction around Bollington.

"Many of the walks are themed and include heritage walks looking at the history of Bollington but of course, what the festival is really all about is walking, so there are plenty of opportunities throughout the festival for those who just want to enjoy our beautiful local countryside!

"If you want to walk at any pace in any direction for as short or long a distance as you like, we'll have it covered. There's a variety of walks in the popular 5–7mile category, some of 7–18 miles, and a 20mile walk plus sensory walk organised by the East Cheshire Eye Society and short history themed routes too – there really is something for everyone!"

There will also be a photography competition with multiple prizes up for grabs, winners announced in October. (Image - CC 2.0 © Copyright Chris Morgan bit.ly/3PGiJNT Unchanged)

Macclesfield: To book, please check the website. For more details, please contact the hub of the whole operation, the Bridgend Centre, on Palmerston Street. You can ring them at 01625 576311.

The Bridgend Centre is vital to the success of the Festival, in planning, leading and hosting walks. They run regular walks and of course you are welcome to visit the Centre for any of the myriad of activities which take place there. All info on their walks and activities can be found on the red link above.

As ever, the Festival relies on the contributions of the volunteers who organise and lead the walks.

Other notable supporters include East Cheshire Ramblers, the Manchester and District Walking Group (MAD), the East Cheshire Outdoor Group (ECOG) and the Cheshire East Rangers. All of whom, are up for socialising after the walks conclude.

The all-abilities walking festival will also have a photo competition with three prizes up for grabs.

Macclesfield: You can find more information about the Bollington Walking Festival on their website. Or follow them on Facebook.

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