Walkers invited to take part in 16th annual event

Walkers are being encouraged to dig out their boots for 16th annual Valley walking festival in East Ayrshire.

The 16th Valley Walkfest gets under way on Friday, May 11, offering a packed weekend programme of walks for all ages, abilities and levels of fitness.

With events taking place in Darvel, Newmilns, Galston, Hurlford, Kilmarnock and Whitelee, walks are graded in terms of length and difficulty, from easy strolls through to more challenging and strenuous treks of up to 12 miles.

Highlights include a bat walk at Lanfine Estate, heritage and history trails, a strenuous walk to the site of a crashed plane and much more, with snow sports, cycling, bowling and craft events also running throughout the weekend.

Registration and starting points for most walks will be either the Parish Church Hall in Darvel or the Hogg Hall in Galston, and tea/coffee and toilet facilities will be available in each of the halls for half an hour prior to walk start times.

For detailed information on all of the walks and other activities on offer, pick up a copy of the brochure, which is now available from various outlets across the Irvine Valley. Alternatively, contact the organisers on valleywalkfest@gmail.com or follow Valley Walkfest on Facebook.

Booking is not necessary for most walks, although there are a couple of exceptions.
All walks are free of charge, but donations are welcome.