The Swanage and Purbeck Walking festival, now in it’s fourth year, is set to be packed with a variety of walks from military history to art and family fun. It’s an opportunity to explore one of the UKs most beautiful coastlines guided by those with expert knowledge who know the area well. However, although all set to run in its usual May date, organizers have decided this year to move the festival to early Autumn. A combination of the cold Spring and the Winter landslips has meant paths, although accessible, are very wet. September in Purbeck is also a beautiful month usually known for clear skies, with sea temperatures still warm enough for bathing. So, if sucessful, organizers feel it may be a new fixed date in years to come.
Andy Pedrick, organiser of the Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival, is delighted with the Festivals success, and is confident the September date for this year, will also be much better environmentally.
“ The festival has grown enormously, the idea being that we cater for all tastes and fitness abilities. There is such a diverse range of activities and attractions in the area, such as historic villages like Corfe Castle, or protected wildlife areas like the RSPB nature reserve at Arne, that we can provide something for everyone. It means all those taking part get a chance to explore some of the UK’s most beautiful Coast and Countryside, that perhaps they wouldn’t be able to find by themselves, in a safely managed way. We work closely with local environmental partners, as well as HM Coastguard and local rangers. It’s vital for our local economy to bring additional visitors here, but we have to remember it’s also an incredibly valuable landscape. We have World Heritage site status, and we must all work together to preserves it.
Anyone taking part can expect a packed programe, from photography tuition as well as Nordic Walking, and a ride on a steam train!
The Walking Festival this year will be sponsored by Dorset Holiday Cottages. Hamish Smith, Manager says:
“ We are delighted to sponsor the 2013 Swanage Walking Festival. We see it as a wonderful way for visitors to enjoy our beautiful coastline and there’s no better way to do that than with a local and knowledgeable guide.”
The Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival runs from September 21st – 27th 2013.
To book accommodation, and find full information of the festival programme, visit www.walkswanage.com Walks can be booked in advance, and hotel owners and festival organisers will help plan your itinerary.
