Guildford Walkfest Launches With A Ramble Across Whitmoor Common

Published on: 2 Sep, 2017
Updated on: 2 Sep, 2017

This year’s Guildford Walkfest got off to a great start on Saturday morning (September 2), with a ramble across Whitmoor Common in Worplesdon.

Walkers ready for the off. The Mayor of Guildford, Nigel Manning, cuts the ribbon to herald the start of Guildford Walkfest 2017. Click to enlarge pictures.

More than 30 people of all ages took part, some bringing their pet dogs, and enjoyed the beautiful countryside in warm sunny weather.

The Mayor of Guildford, Nigel Manning, was on hand to cut a ribbon to start of this year’s programme of free walks throughout the local area. He would have liked to have joined the walkers, but a recent bout of sciatica meant that he could only wish them off instead.

The chairman of the Guildford Walkfest organising committee and also chairman of the Surrey Hills Society, Chris Howard, welcomed all those who went on the walk, some who are leaders of other walks during the month-long festival.

The children who enjoyed the walk across Whitmoor Common.

The walk was led by Pete Lambert, a keen walker with his own Facebook page about the walks he leads. He is well known in his day job in and around Guildford town centre as one of Experience Guildford’s Bluecaps.

The four-mile circular walk started and finished at the Jolly Farmer pub in Burdenshott Road and took in Whitmoor Common, Rickford Common and Jordan Hill.

Close-up of the tabards worn by Guildford Walkfest leaders and marshals – this one worn by David Rose.

The Guildford Dragon NEWS’ David Rose was one of the walk marshalls and during a stop on Jordan Hill gave details of the history of the area and the wildlife that can found on the commons.

He is also leading four walks during the festival among the many being offered – more than 60 in total!

Walkers pause for a stop on Jordan Hill.

There are countryside, town, family friendly, special interest, short, riverside, regular, networking and fundraising walks. So something for everyone!

Click here for the Guildford Walkfest website that lists all the walks and also see the page with details of special discount offers at local and national shops.

Sponsors of Guildford Walkfest include Guildford Borough Council, and its public health co-ordinator Helen Barnsley went on the walk, along with James Avery, the managing director of fellow sponsors Bevan Wilson physiotherapy and sports injury clinics.

The Guildford Dragon NEWS is also a sponsor of Guildford Walkfest as is Experience Guildford.