MALVERN’S Walking Festival is going goes from strength to strength, with bookings for this year's events once again running ahead of previous years.

Places on the six-day Wye Valley Trail were booked up quickly, as were two other walks, but organisers stress there are still many more to choose from.

Festival chairman Bob Baldwin said: “We’re delighted to offer many new and exciting walks as well as old favourites, all accompanied by our enthusiastic and expert volunteer leaders.

"New long-distance trails, challenge hikes, all-day walks, discovery routes and short half day and evening walks are all detailed on the Festival’s website.”

There are two three-day walks, one involving three sections of the Malvern Hills Geopark Way, and the other the new Wyche Way walk, linking Offa’s Dyke to the Cotswold Way via Malvern.

For serious walkers who enjoy a challenge, options include Hereford to Malvern in a day, and the ever-popular Malvern Hills End to End and Back.

Mr Baldwon said: "But for many, the real appeal will be found among the 38 shorter walks, mostly on and around the Malvern Hills offering a variety of themes, including Geology, history, natural history, the water cure, music and literature.

"Whatever your choice, it’s amazing the effects a walk in the hills can produce."

The festival starts on Saturday, May 27, and runs until Sunday, June 4. Bookings can be made at malvernwalking.uk or at the Tourist Information Centre, Church Street, in person,or on 01684 892289.