LOVERS of the great outdoors are invited to don their walking boots for the North Berwick Coastal area’s first-ever walking festival.
The festival is being held next weekend, between August 6 and 8, in the town and its neighbouring villages.
Walks will be available across the area for all ages and abilities, with organisers saying that there will be something to encourage everyone to get out and about.
North Berwick Health and Wellbeing Association is behind the event and is working in partnership with Ageing Well and Venturing Out CIC to make it happen. It was also supported by North Berwick Coastal Area Partnership.
Hilary Smith, co-chair of the town’s health and wellbeing association, said: “Often described as a ‘superpower’, walking helps strengthen both our physical and mental health.
“It helps us reconnect with places and people, something that is especially important after our experiences of lockdown.”
As well as in North Berwick itself, there will be a series of self-directed walks in Aberlady, Gullane, Dirleton and Drem.
Hilary added: “We’ve tried to take people along routes that show them what may be a different aspect of their local area, to see the familiar in what might be new and unfamiliar ways.
“The festival aims to be as inclusive as possible.”
The routes through North Berwick in particular are fully accessible, with the proposed routes now available on the event website. Walking notes and audio narrations are also set to appear online in time for the weekend of the festival.
For younger walkers, North Berwick Library has created a family trail to follow, with three ‘fascinating finds’ able to be downloaded specifically to encourage young nature explorers.
There are also two health walks and a challenge called ‘twin peaks’ for those wanting to try something more difficult, consisting of a walk that takes in both North Berwick and Traprain Laws.
These walks have limited space so booking is essential.
Hilary said: “We hope that anyone who walks or wheels our routes over the weekend will really feel a part of the festival community and share their experiences, photos and stories.”
For more information and details, visit northberwickcoastalwalkfest.co.uk
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