A walking enthusiast from Stonehouse is hoping that as many people as possible will join her in putting their best foot forward for an inaugural event that takes place in September.

The Stonehouse Walking Festival runs from Friday 13th September to Sunday 22nd September, an event that will take in 16 walks around the Stonehouse area.

The festival is being coordinated by Liz Green, a keen walker who moved to Stonehouse a couple of years ago with her husband Jeff after living in Nailsworth for the previous 20 years.

“I belong to a weekly walking for health group and the leaders and I got talking about doing something that showcases all that Stonehouse and the surrounding countryside has to offer,” explained Liz.

“Stonehouse lies along the Cotswold Way and the restored Stroudwater canal with flat walks, scenic, rolling, open countryside and more challenging hills within a day’s walk.”

So the Stonehouse Walking Festival was born and judging by the variety of walks available, the organisers have every chance of realising their ambition of making the festival an annual event.

It really is an impressive programme with walks on every day of the 10-day festival for people of all ages and abilities.

“The programme ranges from challenging walks of 10 miles, with some steep inclines resulting in lovely views, to a half hour flat walk suitable for people in wheelchairs and others with mobility problems,” said Liz.

“We also wanted to offer walks ranging over weekdays and weekends to include young families and people at work, as well as walks of varying lengths, suitable for people who have mobility difficulties to seasoned walkers.”

Included in the programme are walks past a weir, vineyard, viaduct and ancient woodland, hilltop views, a family fun walk, a dusk nature walk and a tree walk.

All the walks will start from central Stonehouse and Liz is certainly a big fan of the place that has become home over the past 24 months.

And she wants more people to discover the joys of Stonehouse and the surrounding area.

“Booking is only needed for the two local history walks which showcase our rich historic heritage,” she said. “All walks are free and are led by experienced walk leaders.”

So what is it about walking that Liz likes so much?

“I appreciate the lovely countryside and the chance to enjoy nature as well as chatting to people along the way,” she said.

“I enjoy exploring the area where I live and I get motivation and enjoyment from doing it with other people.”

The Stonehouse Walking Festival is being supported by Gloucestershire County Council and to find out more about the event, go to www.stonehousewalks.co.uk