Guildford Walkfest 2018 Is Nearly Here!

Published on: 29 Aug, 2018
Updated on: 29 Aug, 2018

Guildford Walkfest 2018 launches this Saturday (September 1) with a walk around the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills via St Martha’s Church.

All welcome to take part, meet at the Percy Arms pub in Chilworth for the walk that starts at 10am and returns at about noon. The Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons, will be there to wave everyone off.

Walkers pause for a stop on Jordan Hill, Whitmoor Common at the 2017 launch walk.

The annual programme of free guided walks in and around the borough of Guildford, and some beyond, continues throughout September. This year there are more than 40 walks to suit everyone regardless of age, ability or experience.

There are walks in the countryside and in built-up areas too. The Guildford Town Guides will be leading a number of walks all with an historical interest, and also listed on their own website.

Local historian and writer David Rose will be leading a walk around Stoughton on Saturday, September 8, starting from Cardwells Keep at 2pm. Joining him with be Guildford Dragon NEWS editor Martin Giles. They will look at the history of the former Stoughton Barracks as well of the development of the Stoughton area and its social history, particularly during the First World War.

One hundred years ago the Representation of the People Act was passed, giving the vote to some women for the first time. To celebrate the centenary of this event there is a Walk for Suffrage. Part of the route will trace the path of the Great Pilgrimage, the huge march supporting women’s suffrage that passed through Guildford in 1913.

It takes place on Saturday September 8 and starts at the Artington park and ride park at 11.30am and finishes in the High Street. The organiser, Amanda Creese and ‘Women of Guildford’, said: “Period costume, banners and appropriate placards are not obligatory! And as 100 years ago, men are entirely welcome to join the walk in support of the women’s suffrage.”

David Rose is also taking part in a walk around Stoke Park led by Gerri Smith on Monday, September 17. It is being hosted in conjunction with Voluntary Action South West Surrey and Guildford Action. All welcome to join both organisations and their clients.

It links with Voluntary Action’s Welcome Buddy scheme that supports and encourages people with mental ill health to take part in activities within the community, which can include walking. It starts and finishes at Guildford Action in Haydon Place.

Pete Lambert.

On Thursday, September 20, Experience Guildford ranger and walking enthusiast Pete Lambert leads a late afternoon walk titled Pewley Down with Experience Guildford. Starting and returning to the Keep pub in Castle Street it takes in Pewley Down and the Chantries. There is the option to enjoy a drink and some food at the pub afterwards.

Further out into the borough there are walks in and around Normandy, Ash Ranges, Puttenham and Send, and even further afield taking in Ockley and Friday Street and Elstead and Thursley.

Throughout September certain shops, cafe’s, pubs and restaurants will be supporting Walkfest by offering discounts. In order to take advantage of these special offers, simply pick-up your discount card at any participating outlet or at the Tourist Information office on Guildford High Street. See page on Walkfest website. Guides who are leading the walks will also be distributing the discount cards.

Full details on the Guildford Walkfest 2018 website.

This is the twelfth year of Walkfest, supported by Guildford Borough Council and sponsored by Bevan Wilson Physiotherapy and Hill Clements – two local businesses that appreciate the value of supporting local community initiatives.