AS the “gateway” to South Downs National Park, National Trust heathlands and Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s no wonder Haslemere Walking Festival is a trail blazer.

Back by popular demand for its fouth annual outing, this year’s three-day event at the end of September offered an even more varied programme.

The routes on offer were clearly a winner, attracting a record turnout, and many were fully booked long before the start of the festival.

Haslemere Mayor and mayoress David Round and Melanie Odell launched the first walk, which kicked off at 9.30am from the town’s Information Hub at the railway station, courtesy of the Haslemere Community Rail Partnership.

Walkers were fortified for their 15-mile circular route with refreshments, kindly brought over from The Station House Hotel opposite.

The walk was one of several through the South Downs National Park, devised by the community rail partnership that started and finished at the station in order to attract ramblers from further afield.

Each year the festival, which is funded by Haslemere Town Council, offers an opportunity for children and adults to enjoy the stunning walking areas on offer both through the historic town and into the surrounding countryside, led by knowledgeable guides.

Walkers also discovered much more about Haslemere’s fascinating history and wildlife.

The Wild Learning route on Saturday afternoon across Marley Common proved to be a delightful walk for little ones, who thoroughly enjoyed exploring in detail the heathland with the help of experienced Forest School leaders.

The scavenger activity hunt was a real voyage of discoverey revealing a spider has 32 knees. The ever-popular Surrey Bat Group walk, was booked so quickly another had to be added to the programme.

There were so many species to listen out for and learn about and the bats did not disappoint on both evenings, performing flypasts for their audience at each session.

One mother, who brought her children along for two festival walks, said: “The bat walk was absolutely fantastic and the children loved it.”

Another highlight for naturelovers, also hosted by Imbhams Farm, was Walk on the Wild Side, a guided walk around the farm to learn first hand about wildlife projects and recent habitat enhancements, led by Surrey Wildlife Trust.

There was an opportunity to step out the Norwegian way on Sunday morning with qualified instructor Andy Webb from Fitter by Far.

A Nordic walking instructor based in Haslemere, with more than 15 years’ experience, Andy has run four London Marathons, his fastest in under three hours.

Working with the National Trust, he has an in-depth knowledge of trail routes in and around the town.

Participants in the Sunday session had the opportunity to learn the technique, while treating their bodies to a total workout and also enjoying the rolling meadows of Swan Barn Farm.

Keen to support walking the Nordic way, The Sports Locker laid on some much-needed refreshments for the returning group.

One Nordic walking convert said: “It was really good. It has definitely inspired me to do more.

“I shall be putting the walking poles on my Christmas list.”

Haslemere’s rich and colourful history was expertly recalled by knowledgeable Haslemere Society guides along the Blue Plaque Trail.

Art lovers were treated to a special walk led by Surrey Hills Arts, which, thanks to funding by The Mittal Foundation, commissioned five artists to create artworks inspired by far reaching views across the Greensand Way.

The Inspiring Views route led to Walter Bailey’s Xylem bench, commanding a new view point on heathland at Hindhead’s famous Gibbets Hill. En route, walkers learned about the importance and use of charcoal and its historical relevance to the Greensand Way.

The final walk Escape to the Countryside , on Sunday morning, started and finished at Haslemere Station. Just under nine miles, it took in Marley Common before the descent to Fernhurst for lunch at The Red Lion pub, and returned via Black Down.

Visit Haslemere festival co-ordinator Antoinette Francis, said: “Once again, we have been given the chance to celebrate Haslemere and its glorious surrounding countryside, thanks to a great initiative from the town council.

“The walk leaders put so much effort into organising their walks and it’s been lovely to see so many people enjoying them.

“The good weather definitely helped.”