WALKING enthusiasts of all abilities are being encouraged to put their best foot forward for a festival that returns next month.
The annual Prestatyn and Clwydian Range Walking Festival will run between Friday, May 19 and Sunday, May 21.
There are 25 free guided walks suitable for all ages and abilities as well as an interactive talk, with authentically dressed Roman soldiers, on Friday, May 19.
Malcolm Wilkinson, who has helped organise the festival over the past 20 years, said: "It has been an honour and a privilege to have been involved and everyone involved can be justly proud of our achievements in contributing to the health and wellbeing of those taking part.
"None of this would have been possible without the dedicated support of a small but exceptional organising committee of volunteers offering a wide range of experience and knowledge of walking in the area.
"It would be impossible to put together a walking programme without our precious volunteer walk leaders from the various walking groups including Rangers from Denbighshire Countryside Services.
RELATED STORIES
- Person in hospital after forklift incident at Dyserth Falls Resort
- Councillor resigns in Abergele triggering by-election
"We extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to all our present and past band of walk leaders who I cannot praise highly enough for their immense contribution to the continued success of the festival.”
The popular walking festival would have celebrated its 20th anniversary this year if it weren't for Covid; The annual event had to be cancelled twice during the pandemic.
The festival was originally started by Prestatyn Town Council with the help of volunteers.
It was known as Prestatyn Walking Festival and the first event took place in 2005 attracting about 100 walkers.
Malcolm added: "It proved such a success over subsequent years that in 2012, Denbighshire County Council invited us to expand the festival so it became known as the Prestatyn and Clwydian Range Walking Festival.
"Since its inception the event has attracted over 10,000 walkers from all over the UK and sometimes from overseas. We continue to build on our 'Walkers are Welcome' community status by reaching out to walkers around the UK.
"The unique feature that sets the event apart from other walking festivals is that we have always based our walks and events on local themes. For example - Coast, Countryside, Castles and Culture, Maritime, Great Outdoors, Vikings, Offa’s Dyke, Wales Coast Path and many others."
The 2023 event general theme is The Romans Return.
Several walks will include the Roman Bathhouse.
Visit www.prestatynwalkingfestival.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here