ORGANISERS of the 7th Corsham Walking Festival are hoping to beat last year's total for the number of people taking part.

More than 400 people rambled and ambled around the walks in last year's festival, with all events starting from Corsham's Springfield Campus.

This year's festival takes place from June 12-14 and will again celebrate of walking, local heritage and the countryside.

Festival spokesman Barry Cox said: "For our 7th Walking Festival we have 26 walks and we hope you will find something to enjoy."

"Catering for a wide range of walking enthusiasts and abilities our walks vary in distance from 1.25 to 17 miles that go from easy through moderate to challenging.

"We will be offering some new walks, we have fine-tuned some of your favourites and have a number of experts to talk about specialist subjects en route, as well as our experienced walk leaders and back markers to guide you.

"Our guided walks will cover: ancient parishes and manor houses, industrial and rural heritage, wild flowers and of course our beautiful countryside with hidden valleys, meandering brooks and far reaching views.

"Our free programme includes the ever-popular children’s treasure hunt, Nordic walking, a dog walk and one to look at lichens and mosses.

"Whilst families and groups can join in our cryptic mystery walk – ‘Corsham Needs a Super-Hero’, to test their powers of observation around the local area."

The annual festival is organised by volunteers from the local walking community and made possible by generous sponsors.

For more details and to book from April 6, go to www.corshamwalkingfestival.org.uk