Walking enthusiasts and local residents are urged to keep September 18th this year free for a Walking Festival which will celebrate the landscape and history of the Somer Valley, specifically around Radstock, Paulton and Peasedown St John.

Two local ramblers groups are teaming up with Radstock Museum, the Victoria Hall and B&NES Council to present a programme of walks of varying lengths, starting from Victoria Hall. The walks will take local residents and visitors through some of the most interesting features of the former Somerset coalfield, including the

remains of the canals and railways.

Mendip Ramblers will be leading two walks of approximately six miles through the Kilmersdon and Mells area, while Norton Radstock Ramblers will be leading a twelve-mile hike around the whole valley and a shorter walk to visit the Paulton Basin, where volunteers are restoring the Somersetshire Coal Canal. There will also be a family walk along the Greenway to Midsomer South station.

On the evening before the walks, the museum will host a talk on the local industrial heritage. John Bull, B&NES Councillor for Paulton, who chairs the organising committee, said: “The Somer Valley is a beautiful area, which deserves to be better appreciated for its attractive landscape and the contribution it has made to Britain’s industrial history. These walks will be free and open to everyone. I am grateful to the local organisations and B&NES for contributing their expertise and time to this exciting event.”

More details of the Festival will be published shortly, with an opportunity for volunteers to help. If you are interested in volunteering, please email: [email protected]