The North Wessex Downs Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) is delighted to announce bookings are open for the North Wessex Downs Walking Festival taking place 11-26 June. The festival is just one way that the team at the AONB are marking the 50th Anniversary of becoming a protected landscape (AONB) in 1972.
With 28 walks across the area there are opportunities to discover wildlife, history or culture, follow an accessible trail, visit a working farm, enjoy a family picnic or simply soak up the views from atop the downs. Walks are led by friendly and knowledgeable guides who will bring their favourite places alive for walkers.
Many walks are free, but all require booking as places are limited. There are several walks in or near Marlborough. Wiltshire History Man, Nick Baxter will be leading two walks on June 18. The first will help participants discover the town’s fascinating and dramatic past from King John’s charter all the way to present times while the second will explore the River Kennet water meadows, The Green and The Parade. Both walks are on June 18.
Several walks take place in the Savernake Forest. Find out more about the forest’s veteran trees and its unique landscape and habitats. A relaxed family walk encourages children to bring their favourite teddy along on the adventure.
Join ARK’s(Action for River Kennet) Project officer Anna Forbes for a walk along the riverbanks of the Kennet and the adjoining water meadow. Stonebridge Wild River Reserve is a multi-award-winning site and is home to water vole, otter and kingfisher; as well as many lesser well known but equally fascinating creatures. Wear wellies for a chance to explore the river and see up close the amazing invertebrates that live in a healthy chalk stream.
Details of all the walks and how to book can be found online here on the walking pages.
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