From striding out along the iconic White Cliffs to some leisurely local-led strolls, this year's White Cliffs Walking Festival is back this week with 33 walks to get you out and about.

After having to be cancelled in 2020, this year's event will go ahead, stepping out from Thursday, August 26, over the bank holiday weekend, and finishing on Tuesday, August 31.

Organised by the local White Cliffs Ramblers group, it is one of the top walking events of the year and gives the opportunity to explore the treasures of south east Kent.

Centred on the historic towns of Dover, Deal, Sandwich and Folkestone, this festival features walks ranging from two to 30 miles, so whatever your walking ability, they'll be walking your way.

In 2019 the popular event attracted more than 1250 walkers from all across the county and the UK - and even abroad.

This year, due to the uncertainties of the pandemic, the Ramblers are working hard to organise a festival that is as safe as it possibly can be, while still being an enjoyable experience.

There are restrictions are in place limiting walks to 20 people, and all walks must be booked in advance.

Organisers will be following the government Covid guidance in place at the time.

Festival co-ordinator Neil Fraser said: "The White Cliffs Walking Festival is a six-day celebration of the great outdoors, and we hope that you enjoy it.

"The event acts as a springboard to promoting the health and wellbeing benefits of discovering walking as a way of life. This event is carefully organised to provide something for everyone despite your age or mobility and is designed to introduce and inspire visitors to, and residents of, the White Cliffs area to the incredible trails, paths, iconic coastline and beautiful countryside."

Highlights include the White Cliffs Challenge put on for the festival by the Long Distance Walkers Association, a 30-mile trek following coastal and inland paths starting in St Margaret's.

You can explore the coast over three days walking from Capel le Fern to Sandwich by booking for the Panoramic Trail: day one is from Capel Le Fern to Dover (seven miles); day two is Dover to Deal (9.5 miles) and day three is Deal to Sandwich (9.6 miles).

If you are looking for something a bit more relaxing join the walk around Goodnestone - A Gentle Walk for Gentle Folk, 6.2 miles of gently undulating terrain taking in the picturesque countryside and Serpentine walk.

Or take a stroll round the 2.5 mile Russell Gardens Loop, taking you through the woods of Scotland Common.

For those with limited mobility or wheelchairs there is a Carers Walk, which is two miles easy paced and flat along Folkestone Leas.

DETAILS

The White Cliffs Walking Festival runs from Thursday, August 26 to Tuesday, August 31. Book a walk and find out more at whitecliffswalkingfestival.org.uk

For more Days Out ideas across Kent click here.