The Bollington Walking Festival returns later this year.

Planning for the 16th edition of the popular event is entering its final stages, with a full schedule and leaflets set to be released soon.

Nearly 600 people took part in last year's event, with dozens of them enjoying two or more of the 39 walks on offer.

A spokesperson for the event said: "The festival ethos is there is always 'something for everyone', and this year the week promises to be exactly that with another wonderful week of opportunities to enjoy the countryside around Bollington.

"We are hoping for another successful event in September, once again, we have a great programme of walks and social events with a wide range of activities to cover all abilities and age groups."

They added: "Each year the team makes sure that favourites and classic local routes are included in the schedule as well as new or different ideas.

"This year there will be another opportunity to explore the Pott Shrigley church bell tower, adventurous walkers can join an Alan Garner themed night walk, try cani-treking with your dog, have a go at the exciting virtual treasure hunt Spunch or commit to the every morning White Nancy Early Bird challenge."

This year's Bollington Walking Festival will take place from Saturday, September 5, to Sunday, September 13, and includes routes for all ages and abilities, ranging from a quarter of a mile to 15 miles.

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The schedule will include variations on walks from last year that were successful, including one organised by the East Cheshire Eye Society, a dementia-friendly walk and the ever-popular sunset walks.

The team have also kept favourites including the library-hosted children's Bear Hunt, the honesty box walk, the canal boat trip and cake walks with built-in rewards.

Many of the walks are themed, including heritage walks looking at the history of Bollington, but of course, what the festival is really all about is walking.

With that in mind, there are plenty of opportunities throughout the festival for those who just want to enjoy the beautiful local countryside with an experienced guide for confidence and the company of like-minded walkers.