With support from a number of our Walkfest team, the Mayor of Guildford (Marsha Moseley) got the 2021 Guildford Walkfest off to a good start today by cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
This year we were hosted by The Swan at Ash Vale - to whom a big "thank you" for their support. They even laid on perfect walking weather for us.
After the traditional launch photo shoot and coffee we set out on a really enjoyable stroll along the Basingstoke Canal, past Great Bottom Flash and then across the water to the edges of Ash Ranges. Wandering through the heathland back along to Ash Wharf we then crossed again before returning along the towpath to The Swan. Only a three mile walk but such varied scenery. We even managed to choose a date when their was no firing on the ranges and hence we were able to enjoy the bird sounds and chat as we progressed.
As one of our seasoned walkers put it. "I only live 15 minutes drive away, in Fleet, but I rarely walk in this area and have never done this bit. This was a real reminder that good walks are often closer to home than one realises".
That is possibly the perfect message for Walkfest. We have some super walks on our doorstep and every year we discover new places or long forgotten routes. So why not join some of the walks that we've set up for this month. Just check the 2021 Walks tab and get booking!
In the meantime, keep healthy, keep walking.