EARLY bookings for Malvern Walking Festival 2018 are way ahead of last year and the organisers are anticipating a sell-out.

The programme for the festival, now in its 17th year, is the biggest and best yet, with 51 walks available over nine days, making it one of the largest walking festivals in southern England.

It includes something for everybody regardless of their ability or interests. Some of the walks are short with themes themed including history, gardens, geology, Elgar’s music, trees and farming, while others are more challenging.

There is a six-day 65-mile discovery trail from Ludlow back towards Malvern; two walks of three days each covering about 35 miles around the Malvern Hills, plus dozens of other shorter walks ranging from a couple of hours to full days and ranging from one mile to 18 miles.

Bob Baldwin, the festival chairman, said: “ This year’s programme benefits from the feedback from previous festivals, where our walkers tell us exactly what they want and what they’ve enjoyed.

"We’re confident that with the help of our enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteer leaders we are offering a programme that promotes the delights of Worcestershire and Herefordshire countryside in general and Malvern in particular “

The festival runs from Saturday, May 26, to Sunday, June 3. For more information and bookings, see malvernwalking.uk, or visit the Malvern Tourist Information Centre in Church Street.