Walking Festival Report - June 2009
Over 200 people participated in the second 'Experience the Chilterns' Princes Risborough Walking Festival over the weekend of June 13th & 14th June. Walkers came from as far afield as Dorset and Nottingham to join a series of themed walks around the ancient market town and into the local countryside. Local guides introduced the ramblers to the unique landscape, wildlife and heritage around the town while other activity walks were offered for young families.
Organiser Francis Gomme from the Risborough Countryside Group said;
'The weather was fabulous and the unique flowers, birds and butterflies of the Chilterns took centre stage. As well as the wildlife, groups of walkers were taken back over 5,500 years to explore the ancient landscape of the area and others sought out more recent history, tracing the route of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s first railway to the town.
For many though it was simply the chance to join others on a stroll or longer ramble into our wonderful local countryside. The event has been a huge success and a tribute to the support we have had from local businesses, traders, local authorities and the Chilterns Conservation Board. The feedback from walkers has been very positive with many already asking what we plan for 2010.
This 'Experience the Chilterns' Walking Festival is now firmly 'on the map' as an annual event for serious hikers and local rambler alike.’ The WDC tourism team, at the Princes Risborough Information Centre, promoted the weekend with a themed window display and were kept busy for some weeks beforehand handling enquiries and managing the bookings. Over the weekend itself the Centre was packed as walkers gathered at the start of the morning and afternoon sessions.
Francis Gomme Risborough Countryside Group
