Best foot forward for spectacular scenery

THE Gower Walking Festival returns in September and tickets are on sale now and selling fast.

- IAN LEWIS

The festival is marking its 21st year this year, having been initially run by the Mumbles Tourist Association to raise money for the independent volunteer-managed Mumbles and Gower Tourist Information office.

It has become an annual celebration of the Gower peninsula and the festival aims to encourage people to appreciate the area's unique landscape and rich heritage while enjoying the many benefits of walking.

The festival's first year started with 35 walks over eight days, and it grew to 71 walks over 16 days, with more than 1,500 participants.

However, in 2015, due to unforeseen circumstances, the festival had to be cancelled.

After a break of four years a new, small, enthusiastic group formed to restart the much-loved walking festival.

The team met to put together a week of walks and other outdoor activities.