Director general of the charity, Dame Fiona Reynolds, kick-started the scheme on Sunday with a two-mile ramble from Langdon Cliffs to the South Foreland Lighthouse.
Dr Katie Tryon, from festival sponsor PruHealth, joined her on the walk along the iconic White Cliffs.
A National Trust spokeswoman said: “We chose the White Cliffs to launch the walking festivities.They are one of this country’s most spectacular natural features and have been a symbol of hope and freedom for centuries.”
The landmark forms part of National Trusts first ever walking festival which will see more than 1,000 events take place across gardens, countryside and coastline in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from October 22-30.
The aim is to get people outdoors and closer to nature.
The spokeswoman said: “The White Cliffs are part of the 630 acres of countryside and 701 miles of coast that we care for. And our outdoors places are open for you to come and enjoy, all year round. So dust off your walking boots, welly boots, trainers or even your flip flops and come and join us for a walk – long or short – this October half-term.”
National Trust has outlined hundreds of walks, from easy 0-3 mile ambles to 10 miles treks for avid ramblers.
Marijke Cox
National Trust Walking Festival
The National Trust's Walking Festival (Oct 22-30) takes place at NT properties across the country, with guided and self-guided walks for all abilities timed to make the most of the autumn colour. At Ham House there are guided rambles beginning at Richmond station, taking in Petersham Meadows and the tow path (11am-12.30pm Oct 22, 23, 29, 30). See the website for full details of the festival.
Step this way for walking festival
NATIONAL Trust staff and volunteers stepped out at Dunstable Downs on Friday to kick off the organisation’s first-ever walking festival.
The week-long festival, which runs until Sunday, boasts more than 100 different walks nationwide and thousands of people are expected to take part – whether it be in little ambles, jolly rambles or big challenges.
Organised and guided walks are available, as well as do-it-yourself trails that can be downloaded from the internet in advance.
Visitors will also be able to ‘capture’ their favourite views and upload their photos directly onto the National Trust Facebook site using the giant picture frame that currently stands on the Downs.
Social networking fans on Twitter can also tweet where they are walking during the festival – #gonewalking
Richard Powell, director for the National Trust in the East of England, said: “Being born and bred in East Anglia I have always enjoyed getting outside and enjoying the abundance that nature has to offer.
“From a stroll down the road from my house with my family, to a day out on one of our many nature reserves. I have never taken for granted the wildlife, fresh air and stunning views that surround us. I hope that our festival will inspire everyone to get out there and enjoy the outdoors.”
Official Website: http://beta.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/activities/walking/walking-festival
See More: http://walkingfestivals.blogspot.com/2011/01/national-trust-walking-festival.html
See More: http://walkingfestivals.blogspot.com/2011/01/national-trust-walking-festival.html
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