A WEEK of walks will offer the chance to explore and enjoy some of South East Cornwall’s most beautiful coastal and inland scenery.Now in its 15th year, the South East Cornwall Walking Festival on September 12-18 will feature a range of walks to suit all ages and abilities.From short woodland strolls to longer hikes on coastpaths and on the moors, all the walks will be guided by knowledgeable leaders.The festival kicks off with a short walk in Kilminorth Woods, near Looe, which will be ideal for children. Local storytellers will accompany the walk which is raising funds for children’s cancer support charity CLIC Sargent.Two local organisations are involved on the Sunday, both hosting walks with an environmental message. Looe Marine Conservation Group is heading along the South West Coast Path to have a picnic and beach clean at Portnadler while the Friends of Kilminorth Woods will be combining a walk with a litter pick.
Festival organiser Mark Camp said: ‘We all love walking in the countryside, but sadly our walks are often spoilt by the unnecessary actions of those that have gone before us who seem to think they can just leave their sweet wrappers and so on for others to pick up. Not only is this lazy but it can be dangerous for the wildlife both on land and at sea.’Mark will be leading Monday’s walk, which takes place around the Mount Edgcumbe country park, and the walk on Thursday near Saltash. There is a walk from Bodmin Parkway that will follow the Fowey River past Lanhydrock House and Restormel Castle before returning by train. All walk leaders give their time for free but may ask for donations at the end of each walk. These may go to the organisation leading the walk or to cover expenses as the festival receives no funding.Full details of all the walks can be found at www.looeguide.co.uk or call Looe Tourist Information Centre on 01503 262072.