Chilterns Walking Festival sponsors gear up to deliver Brewing, Milling and Foxtrots guided walks

Environment

Event sponsors Fox’s Outdoor, Brakspear and The Chiltern Society are inspiring participation in the Chilterns Walking Festival programme with guided walks to encourage more outdoor activity and local area exploration.

Friday 22 September is the Brakspear beer, beechwoods and brewing walk. Participants will enjoy a scenic 6.5-mile circular walk through historic Henley-on-Thames, before climbing up into the Chiltern Hills colourful beech woodlands and along ancient drovers’ routes. Start/Finish point is The Bull on Bell Street, with a free tour of the micro-brewery at the end of the walk. A special ‘home-cooked pie and trimmings’ lunch can be pre-booked as an optional extra. Walk and tour are free of charge; optional lunch is £11 per person.

Sunday 24 September is the Lacey Green Walk and Windmill Tour. This guided walk starts at 10am with an optional private tour of the Lacey Green windmill. Restored from ruin by the Chiltern Society, the windmill’s unique wooden machinery dates from 1650, making this the oldest smock windmill in the country. At 11am it’s followed by a beautiful 4.7-mile easy circular walk around the Lacey Green area with glorious views and passing through quiet valleys. The private tour of the Windmill costs £2.50 for adults and £1 for children (aged 5-15). The walk is free of charge.

Tuesday 26 September is the turn of the FoxTrots. There is a choice of two led circular walks of 1 – 4 miles duration, starting in Amersham and taking in the lovely surrounding countryside. These are particularly suitable for novice walkers, able to enjoy outdoor activity without the worry of getting lost, or feeling left out. Simply Walks group promise a gentle walk up to 60 mins, or longer walk up to 90 mins. Both walks end at Fox’s Outdoor, where participants will receive a free goodie bag and (opportunity for discounted shopping). Both walks are free of charge.

Chilterns Conservation Board people and society officer Annette Venters said ”We’ve very excited to see our sponsors take a proactive role in the festival. These walks coincide with Cask Ale Week and Learn Something New Week and I’m sure walkers will reap the benefits in more ways than one.”

Details of all 60+ walks, events and activities are available on the website and must be pre-booked. Further details available at www.visitchilterns.co.uk/walkingfest