The first details for the next Bollington Walking Festival has been confirmed.

The Bollington Walking Festival team are working hard behind the scenes putting together a programme of walks for the next Bollington Walking Festival which takes place from the 7 - 15 September 2024.

In a statement sent to Macclesfield Nub News, organisers said: "The 2023 festival was a rousing success with a range of walks, some familiar and some new ones, and excellent feedback which we were able to take forwards in the creation of the 2024 festival.

"With a superb new schedule, we can't wait to welcome everyone to explore the wonderful countryside of Bollington and its environs!

Along the Middlewood Way - one of the walks in the 2023 festival.

"2024 will be our 14th festival and we have around 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 and the Mayor's Boundary Walk 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 with the Bollington Civic Society, or visit a local hostelry care of the Bollington Real Ale Ramblers?

Maybe you want to get your walking confidence back or bag an Ethel peak?

You might have a hankering to develop your creative skills and participate in the photography competition or maybe simply have fun with your children or grandchildren.

A group walking across the fields back from Prestbury at a previous festival.

You'll be sure to find some appealing walks in the programme for the 14th Walking Festival.

"We have included variations on walks from last year that were successful, including one organised by the young people's charity Just Drop in and the ever-popular Friday evening guided walk to a country pub with a torchlit walk home, "added Bollington Walking Festival.

"The team have brought back some old favourites with the popular canal walk which includes either a return or outward trip on a barge and of course the cake walks with built in rewards!"

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 with an experienced guide for confidence and the company of like-minded walkers.

Bollington Canal. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

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 5–7‐mile category, some of 7–18 miles, and a 20‐mile walk plus sensory walk organised by the East Cheshire Eye Society and short history themed routes too – there really is something for everyone!

For updates, check the website, before the festival opens. For more details, contact the hub of the whole operation, The Bridgend Centre, on 01625 576311.

As ever, the festival relies on the contributions of the volunteers who organise and lead the walks. In addition to the organisations already mentioned, we are grateful to the East Cheshire Ramblers, the East Cheshire Outdoor Group (ECOG), and the Cheshire East Rangers. They would welcome you joining them before or after the festival for walks or other activities. A full list of the organisations that help provide support and funding to allow the festival to go ahead can be found on the website.

The Bridgend Centre, of Palmerston Street.

Finally, the contribution of Bollington charity 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 website.

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