Walking enthusiasts in the Somer Valley (including Radstock, Peasedown St John and Paulton) have joined forces with the Radstock and Westfield Big Local, B&NES Council, Radstock Co-operative Society, local branches of The Ramblers and
Radstock Town Council to put on the area’s first walking festival this Sunday, 18th September.
There will be three walks of about six miles and one longer one of thirteen miles, all starting from Victoria Hall, Radstock, and led by experienced members of the Mendip Ramblers and the Norton Radstock Ramblers. All walks are free and aim to explore not only the attractive countryside of the Somer Valley, but features of this former industrial landscape, such as the railways and canal. There will also be a shorter family walk and treasure hunt and a sketching walk for art enthusiasts. On the evening preceding the walks, (Saturday, 17th September), there will be a talk on the industrial history of the area by Denis Chedgy at Radstock Museum at 7 p.m. (also free).
Cllr John Bull, Chair of the Organising Committee, said: “Walking festivals are becoming increasingly popular all over the country and this one will, we hope, introduce both local people and visitors to some of the delights of this area.
Walking is of course an excellent form of exercise, and we hope both young and older people will take advantage of this free festival to discover its appeal.”
Those interested in joining the walks should register at the Victoria Hall, Radstock (BA3 3QG) from between 9.30 a.m. and 10 a.m on Sunday, 18th September. Those interested in the family walk should register at the foyer of the Radstock Co-op store itself (BA3 3RQ) between 10 a.m and 2 p.m. to collect the treasure hunt leaflet. This walk will be self-guided, with a map and treasure hunt taking families along the Greenway path up to the former Midsomer Norton South Station which is being restored by volunteers. Alternatively, you can register by emailing: [email protected] or phoning: 01225 396427/396539. In order to book for the talk on the evening of the 17th, please contact the Museum on: 01761 437722.