REDCAR and Cleveland Council is holding a Winter Walking Festival programme of walks around the borough over the weekend from Friday, January 31 to Monday, February 3.

The Walking Festival is an event that includes walks for everyone from beginners to the more advanced walker and although some mild winter weather may occur, the British weather can be temperamental so participants are warned possibly expect some snow, rain and strong winds. Walkers should be prepared and dress appropriately with waterproof clothing, comfy walking boots or shoes, bottles of water and maybe food. Booking is essential for all walks and must be made in advance. There is also a maximum number of people able to attend each walk and this is stated in the individual walk description. If unable to attend a booked walk, the organisers should be informed so that the place can be given to someone else. Participants should arrive at the meeting point at least ten minutes before the start of each walk, which will commence at the given time, whether all participants have arrived or not. Each walk with vary in pace, but with each walk being as fast as the slowest walker.

The walk leader will be at the meeting place, whatever the weather. However, in exceptional weather conditions, the walk may be re-routed or cancelled. Where dogs are not allowed on a walk, this is indicated on the walk information. Dogs must be kept on a lead or under close control. Assistance dogs are allowed on all walks. It is the responsibility of all walkers to ensure that they are physically fit enough to take part in the walks that they have selected and that they have the appropriate clothing, footwear and equipment. Participation will be at the final discretion of the walk leader.

On Friday, January 31, there will be a four mile circular walk from 10am around Errington Woods, New Marske, maximum 20 walkers, and at 10.30am, a seven mile circular walk from Guisborough Forest and Walkway Centre around Home Farm, Blue Lake, Highcliff Nab and Hutton Hall, max. 30 walkers.

On Saturday, February 1 at 10am there will be the Augustinian 11 mile walk from Loftus Town Hall along the ancient Cleveland Street path to Gisborough Priory, max. 30 walkers. Also at 10am on Saturday, there is a four mile circular walk from Cat Nab car park at Saltburn through woodland and along the coastal path, max. 30 walkers.

At 10am on Sunday, February 2 there will be a circular six mile walk from Flatts Lane Country Park through Stewart Park, max. 20 walkers. Also at 10am there will be a six mile circular walk from Loftus Town Hall on the Handale Abbey Trail, max. 30 walkers.

On Monday, February 3 there is a three mile circular guided bird walk at 10am from Flatts Lane Country Park, which is a good walk for beginners, supported by the Teesmouth Bird Club, max. 25 walkers. Finally, there will be a four mile circular walk on the Saxon Princess Trail at 10.30am from Loftus Town Hall, max. 30 walkers.

Bookings can be made by on 01642-496442/459629, by e-mail at walkingfestival@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk or on the Redcar and Cleveland Council website. All walks are free but donations are accepted, which will go towards looking after the countryside.