EXETER is set to take its first steps towards a new annual tradition with the city’s inaugural Exeter Walking Festival, taking place from September 14 to 20.

Organised by Wellbeing Exeter, the week-long festival will bring together residents and visitors to discover Exeter on foot through a varied programme of short group walks, walking sports, foraging walks, themed routes, and community events.

From exploring the city’s rich history and green spaces to enjoying riverside trails and neighbourhood walks, the festival aims to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get active, connect with others, and experience Exeter from a fresh perspective.

Paul Mouland from Wellbeing Exeter said that there will be something for everybody during the week.

He said: “The week-long event will help to show how easy it is to get active through walking and a wonderful opportunity to connect with so many incredible organisations walking events and activities across the city, culminating in The Great West Walk which is being organised by our friends at Exeter City Community Trust.”

The programme of walks and booking information is available at: Nature in Exeter | Wellbeing in Nature | Exeter, UK

After the walking festival, there will be a chance for people to lace up their trainers with the Exeter Chiefs Foundation Charity sponsored walk, which takes place on Saturday, September 26.

This 12km route takes in sections of Exeter’s Green Circle and ends at Sandy Park where all entrants will receive a pasty and a pint, together with a free ticket to watch the first Premiership game of the season that same afternoon.

This is the first year that St Petrocks has been the main charity sponsor. The reason the walk is 12km is because this is the distance an average homeless person walks each day.

Find out more and book your place at: Exeter Foundation