Countdown to Haltwhistle Autumn Walking Festival 2011
The clock is steadily ticking and it is now only just weeks to the start of the 18th Haltwhistle Walking Festival which runs from 8th to 16th October.
Bookings for the walks are coming in steadily with over 200 early bookings. Some walks are already full or approaching full capacity but there is still a wide variety to choose from.
'The Best of Haltwhistle' is a 'must' for new visitors to the area. It begins at a Coffee morning held in the Methodist church hall. Then the walk itself will start and tours the main natural features and historical landmarks around Haltwhistle.
For those looking for something less strenuous the 'Walk & Weave' offers a short walk and then gives people the chance to see history in action. There will be an informal weaving afternoon as members of the group will learn a little about how a sheep's fleece has been turned into cloth over the ages .
'Walking the Vallum and over the Wall' is a lovely circular walk from Haltwhistle. It is 12 miles long and not too difficult. It goes through the industrialised part of the Haltwhistle Burn before following the Vallum east from Walltown Quarry. At Walltown Crags the Wall is crossed with a return to Cawfields Quarry on wild open access land.
Regardless of length most walks are priced at just £6 and provide interesting themed walks in wonderful landscapes with many very colourful histories. It's excellent exercise and more particularly there is great company.
Walks are graded and vary from Easy, and Moderate to Strenuous and vary in length from 5 to 14 miles, each with its own special features and interests.
For more information brochures are available in Tourist Information Centres and local businesses throughout the region, or contact the festival by e-mail at haltywalkfest@btinternet.com or telephone 01434 322894 or visit the website on www.haltwhistlewalkingfestival.org where more details about all of the walks can be seen.
Walkers should bring along packed lunches, children over 7 may accompany an adult on the easy or moderate walks but no dogs are allowed. Booking places on the walks can be done on line on the website or by telephone through the booking agents on 01749 813899
