Frome's popular annual Walking Festival is back from 16th to 18th August, offering a range of guided walks for all ages and abilities over three days.

Cllr Nick Dove said: "Are you staying local this August? The Walking Festival is a great opportunity to get out and explore, meet new people and hopefully enjoy a bit of sunshine. Some walks offer a chance to learn about Frome's history or geology or explore trees and wildlife with an expert guide; there's a walk for all tastes and every level of stamina, including walks to entertain younger walkers and even a silent disco walk. Many of the walks on offer are free, but booking is essential as spaces are limited. Pick up a copy of the Walking Festival programme from the town hall reception or the Discover Frome point in the library and start planning your walking festival. Many thanks to Walkers are Welcome and Frome Selwood Rotary for making this year's event possible."

As usual, the programme is designed to be inclusive and among the 18 walks on offer are a family-friendly 'A Very Short Walk Around the Long History of Frome' coming in at just 0.3 miles, and a more challenging 13-mile walk around the villages and countryside around Frome, so whether you're a seasoned rambler or looking for a fun family activity, there's something in the programme for you.

On Friday 16th August there are walks combining exercise with history, as guides take you on tours of Frome's war graves and network of plaques, plus a repeat of last year's sell-out Frome Building Stones, exploring the building materials that made Frome. The team behind Frome's annual Kindness Festival are leading a walk around Frome landmarks with a link to a modern or historical story of kindness on Saturday 17th August at 2pm, finishing with tea and cake at The Good Heart on Palmer Street. A more challenging 5.5 mile walk on 17th August offers a chance to explore and learn more about the Orchardleigh Estate. Sunday 18th August offers opportunities to walk along the 'canal that never was' in Coleford and hear from local tree specialist Julian Hight on a 1.5 mile guided walk of trees in Frome and their history, legacy and lore.

All walks need to be booked in advance and spaces are limited. If you need any assistance booking online, please give Frome Town Council a call on 01373 465 757, or pop into Frome Town Hall.

Walking Festival programmes are available from Tuesday 2nd July from Frome Town Hall, Discover Frome in Frome Library or online at www.discoverfrome.co.uk/frome-walking-festival