Alton Town Council is holding its third annual Alton Autumn Walking Festival from October 4 to 9.

The autumn festival has 24 walks to choose from and half are now fully booked. People can reserve places at https://bookwhen.com/altonwalkingfestival

This festival is ideal for enthusiastic walkers, relaxed wanderers and curious explorers of all ages.

The festival is the ideal opportunity for the local community and visitors from further afield to meet like-minded people, explore the town and its surrounding villages and discover the superb Hampshire countryside with its abundance of wildlife and rich cultural heritage.

The festival hosts a wide variety of walks led by knowledgeable volunteer walk leaders offering an extensive programme of routes to suit all abilities.

Whether people are looking for a shorter stroll, a day-long hike or themed walks including foraging, bat walks, ghost walks, town walks and scavenger walks for families, there is definitely a walk for them.

A town council spokesperson said: “Alton Town Council is extremely grateful to all the committed local volunteer groups and walking enthusiasts who have put together a programme to promote, share and develop walks around Alton.

“We would like to say a massive thank you to this year’s Autumn Walking Festival headline sponsor Everyone Active Alton Sports Centre, Charles Henry Estate Agents, Walk Alton and the fantastic walk leaders for planning and leading all the walks we have on offer, your support is very much appreciated.”

For further details on the walks available visit www.alton.gov.uk or email [email protected]

Alton Town Council has also produced a guide listing all of the walks, which will be available from various locations in Alton and surrounding areas.

Town mayor Cllr Pam Jones said: “I am delighted that Alton Town Council is hosting the third Autumn Walking Festival following on from the huge success of previous events.

“The festival offers something for all ages and abilities in the fabulous surrounding Hampshire countryside. Alton is fast gaining a reputation for the quality of these walks and a fantastic location as the gateway to the South Downs National Park – a perfect combination.”