Garstang has so much to offer, says Fred Talbot

It's time to dust off those walking boots as Garstang gets ready for the 2009 Walking Festival.

Next weekend sees the return of the popular springtime event the "Garstang Walking Festival" which runs from Saturday 9 to Sunday 17.

This fabulous festival attracts people from all over the country to explore one of the North West's best kept secrets - Garstang and the surrounding district's beautiful countryside - and enjoy a week of walking and family fun.

Now in its fifth year, the festival has become a real celebration of the outdoors and attracts visitors from across the country as well as being a popular attraction with locals.

Last year's event was hailed a great success with record visitor numbers and the 2009 festival has been extended to offer an exciting nine day programme of fun.

Festival-goers are invited to take themselves in a new direction to the hills, river valleys, rolling farmland, bluebell woodlands and canal sides and enjoy the 50 plus activities on offer from leisurely canal rides and heritage walks to cheesy trails and bluebell teas.

Wyre Borough Council organises the walking festival event with support from community groups, local businesses, schools and volunteers.

Alison Boden, Senior Manager (Coast and Countryside) at Wyre Borough Council said  "There's so much to do at this year's festival which has a real family feel to it. There's everything from themed walks to leisurely canal cruises, bike-riding, canoeing, music and entertainment in local pubs.

 Whether you're after some leisurely activities or fancy doing something more adventurous you'll be spoilt for choice with the programme on offer this year. The festival is a perfect opportunity for people to celebrate the best of springtime and enjoy the stunning scenery of Wyre and the Forest of Bowland.

 We always welcome back visitors every year who tell us they enjoy the range of activities on offer, the friendly and knowledgeable walk leaders and the warm welcome they always receive from the people of Garstang which they love.

 We couldn't stage such a fantastic event without the support of the community and local businesses and we would like to thank everyone involved for their contribution. "

Garstang Walking Festival has enjoyed celebrity support over the years. The first-ever festival in 2004 was opened by botanist David Bellamy OBE and Cedric Robinson, the Queen's Official Guide to the Sands at Morecambe Bay led the celebrations in 2007.

TV personality Fred Talbot will be taking a walk on the Wyre side for the third year running when he puts his best foot forward to lead the four day 'Wyre Way' challenge which has become a regular festival highlight.

Fred has opened the festival in previous years and was so bowled over by the wonderful atmosphere at the festival that he couldn t wait to come back. He's keen to show his support to the festival as he is a big fan of walking and the associated benefits.

Fred said:  I've always loved walking which is why I am so pleased to support the festival. The wide range of different walks available at the festival shows that you don' t need to walk for miles and miles to enjoy the benefits. A gentle stroll each day is all you need to feel better. Garstang has so much to offer from lovely countryside and canals that makes it wonderful for walking."

Old favourites such as the Festival Treasure Hunt - a free competition which runs throughout the festival and invites entrants to solve clues as they explore the countryside, canoeing, leisurely "legstrechers", canal boat trips and walks and talks on everything from ancient churches to the art of making ice-cream.

New this year is the 'Super 8' bus walks where you can catch the bus and then walk back to Garstang, horse-riding and cycling with Garstang Cycling Club.

And people with mobility problems can enjoy the countryside on wheels using the "Tramper" motorised scooter on designated tramper treks or if they book in advance for organised walks.

Bookings are now being taken for all the festival activities, some of which are free but most will carry a small charge to help pay for running costs. A copy of the festival walking brochure and details of evening musical entertainment is available form the Garstang Tourist Information Centre on 01995 602125 or by logging on to www.wyrebc.gov.uk

Last Edited: 01/05/2009