Since my last blog, so many walks have taken place under the Guildford Walkfest umbrella. The period included the Heritage Open Days being celebrated by Guildford and the associated walks were all very well supported.
David Rose, well-known local historian and our link to media partner The Guildford Dragon Hosted a brilliant visit to The Spike – the site of the former Guildford workhouse and now open to the public as a heritage centre laid out as the workhouse would have been. He then took us on a wander across Pewley Down and The Chantries to mimic the route taken by tramps when they left their time at The Spike.
I knew of the The Spike but had never visited so this was a great way of learning something new. If you’ve never been there, I thoroughly recommend it. Details can be found at HERE
The Wey & Arun Canal Trust laid on a walk around the route of the former canal in the Bramley area. This was very well supported and, since canals and the former railway line (now the Downs Link Path) follow the level ground this was a great walk for those who wanted to learn more about these former routes but don’t like climbing hills!
Various other groups all had successful walks ranging from the very short ones of the Town Guides (who were taken a bit by surprise with their walks popularity) to the intrepid group who are still covering stages of their walk to Winchester along St Swithin’s Way.
But the highlight must surely be the sponsored walk which was organised for Walkfest by Surrey Hills Society and done in aid of Guildford Street Angels. About 30 people took part in this walk covering the 12 mile stretch of the North Downs Way from Guildford to Farnham (taking in Watts Gallery). We were very privileged to have the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and his wife joining us to walk the stretch from Guildford to Watts.
Even more impressive is that when we selected the Street Angels as our nominated charity for the 2019 Walkfest we raised £3,000. This time round, we have already broken the £5,000 barrier (including gift aid) and money is still flowing in. You can still support this wonderful initiative by clicking HERE
And we still have another week or so to go. There is still time for you to book on our walks and, whilst you are out and about, keep an eye open for the groups being led by volunteers in pink tabards – they will be Walkfest folk.