Festival steps back into history

The event, from October 6 to 8, will concentrate on the area's historic past and range from a family friendly one mile route to a tough, 22 miles.

Many of the walks straddle the Offa’s Dyke, created by King Offa in AD757. The surrounding countryside, designated Outstanding Registered Historic Landscape, boasts hillforts, castles, moated farms, strategic routes and was once a battleground of tug and war between the Welsh and the English.

Jill Kibble, festival organiser, said: “Our new walking festival takes in fascinating landscapes which are bursting with history and wildlife. Our walk guides are local experts who want to share their knowledge and the well-researched and broad range of walks really do offer something for everyone.”

The festival weekend will see the introduction of seven very different guided walks. The longest, which is a newly devised Challenge Walk, is 22 miles and takes in parts of the Offa’s Dyke, Glyndwr’s Way, the Severn Way and the Kerry Ridgeway.

"There is a six-mile canalside wildlife walk, a 13-mile walk taking in the Offa’s Dyke and Kerry Hills, a four-mile walk to include Montgomery Castle, a five-mile hike taking in the elevated Montgomeryshire War Memorial, an 8.5-mile walk centred on the Offa’s Dyke and a one-mile walk with a treasure hunt for families," Jill said.

A brand-new series of Montgomery Walking Trail leaflets will be launched at the festival with trails varying in length from two-and-a-half miles to 13 miles.

A special brew produced by the town’s brewery and named “Best Offa” will be served at the town’s first ever OktoberFest, which will feature local ciders, beers and entertainment as a part of the weekend.

A locally sourced supper with a concert by the Guilsfield Singers will also feature in Montgomery Town Hall at a special reduced rate for walkers.

To find out more and to book the walks and evening entertainment visit www.montgomerywalkingfestival.co.uk.