THE 2017 Alton Walking Festival, which was first launched by the town council in 2013, began on Saturday with a new route.

The Six Hills Walk, Phase One was recommended for advanced walkers because of several steep climbs.

At this stage, the route is in its infancy but introduces magnificent views of Alton from three of the surrounding hills. The longer-term aim is to work both with landowners and the developers of new housing estates in Alton to create some new access points which would enable walkers to connect existing paths to create a circular route taking in all six hills.

It was sold out along with the Sunday morning walk from Bentley station to Alton (northern loop), the walk from Alton to Thedden and back on May 6, and the second of two adult ghost walks next Friday, May 5.

The wide range of walks this year features a variety in terms of distance and nature, from bird-spotting and photography to the English Civil War and from tree identification and children’s ghost walks to those exploring the town and the surrounding countryside.

The aim of the festival is to provide people with the chance to actively engage with the event which is designed to promote healthy living.

Over the years the numbers of walkers, as well as demand and interest, has grown so this year the town council offered a greater range of routes with more than 20 walks spread across nine days incorporating two weekends. Also, a range of guided walks which give the chance to explore the town and the beautiful surrounding countryside.

They are all led by knowledgeable walk guides, among them enthusiastic individuals, representatives of local clubs and societies, as well as official Alton town guides.

For details on the walks, call Alton Town Council on 01420 83986 or e-mail [email protected].