A Great Walks Programme To Look Forward To

Well, Walkfest planning seems to be moving along nicely for our 2021 season in September. We have already been offered 20 walks – and that is without including a selection of short, town centre, walks hosted by the Town Guides.

I will certainly be joining the walk (25th) to promote Guildford Book Festival when we anticipate that Jake Tyler will be with us. Jake is an amazing man. He is a mental health campaigner who walked 3000-miles around Britain to help deal with his own mental health problems and wrote about his experiences in his book, A Walk from the Wild Edge. He had his own show called ‘Open Up with Jake Tyler’ on Radio Sussex and Surrey, and has had over 2 million views for his TEDx Talk called ‘I’m Fine’.

Another great addition to our programme is a sponsored walk along the North Downs Way from Guildford to Farnham in aid of the Guildford Street Angels. Those of you who followed our 2019 Walkfest season will be aware that we walked with them from Guildford to Dorking and that the walk raised over £3000 towards their work. We hope to do even better this time. Nearer the time we will have details of how you can sponsor the walkers or take part yourself. Anyway, why not mark Saturday 18th September in your diary now.

Walkfest is all about getting out for a walk, enjoying yourselves and benefitting from fresh air and our local scenery and countryside. But it’s far more than that! It is widely accepted that doing these things is important for improving mental health as well as physical wellbeing. And of, course, with such friendly groups, knowledgeable leaders and interesting topics, you also have the chance to socialise, learn new things and visit places which are not on your usual routes. Why wouldn’t you want to be part of the festival?

Until then, enjoy the summer weather and walking for health, exercise - but, most of all, for pleasure.