A NEW walking festival featuring guided walks in the Crediton area is coming up this autumn. 

The inaugural Mid Devon Walking Festival will take place from Saturday, September 14 to Sunday, September 29. 

There will be dozens of walks available across the district. Crediton walks include the “Crediton Railway Special” on Sunday, September 15 and “The Bishop of Exeter’s Deer Park” on Wednesday, September 25. 

The festival will also feature a range of activities and attractions including live music and local artisan markets.  

“We are thrilled to introduce the very first Mid Walking Festival and invite outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to join us for a celebration of our region's natural beauty and cultural heritage,” Cllr Steve Keable (Lib Dem, Taw Vale) of Mid Devon District Council said. 

“Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking to connect with nature, there's something for everyone at every level of ability at this exciting event." 

Organisations involved in delivering Mid Devon’s first walking festival include Exeter Ramblers Association, the National Trust, Crediton Museum and History Society, Bampton Heritage Centre, Westbank, the Grand Western Canal and Country Park, Tiverton Museum and Morchard Bishop Parish Council. 

Residents and visitors can download the festival programme from the Visit Mid Devon website or pick up a guide from the Tourist Information Centre in Tiverton or other tourism display stands.  

The guide breaks down each walk by theme, accessibility, difficulty rating, whether it is dog-friendly, if there are refreshments and gives booking information. 

The festival is being funded by the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.