Walkers invited to sign up for Dudley Trail (From Stourbridge News)

Walkers invited to sign up for Dudley Trail

10:00am Friday 22nd March 2013 in News

RESIDENTS across the borough are invited to take part in the annual Dudley Trail, which is now in its 33rd year.

SIX, nine, 12, 18 and 26-mile routes are all on offer as part of the Dudley Council event taking place on Sunday May 5.

Participants can walk at their own pace and can take in canal towpaths, disused railway lines, country footpaths and a few roads as part of the walks - which all start at Dudley Leisure Centre at designated times between 8am and midday.

The event is part of the annual Dudley Walking Festival, which runs from Saturday April 27 to Sunday May 5 and features a series of walks across the borough.

Councillor Tracy Wood, Dudley’s cabinet member for environment and culture, said: “The Dudley Trail attracts over 2,000 people every year from in and outside of the borough and the atmosphere on the day is amazing.

“Walking is a great way of staying healthy as well as a way to enjoy the environment. I would encourage people to join one of the walks on the day, which is sure to be as much fun as ever.”

Checkpoints are placed along each of the five routes to ensure the wellbeing and whereabouts of walkers and light refreshments are available Everyone who completes a trail will receive a certificate of achievement.

It costs £2.50 per person to join the 26 and 18-mile routes, £2 for the 12 and nine-mile routes and £1 to walk the more gentle six-mile route.

An additional fee of 50p will be charged for all entries on the day.

Entry forms are available from Dudley Council’s leisure centres and libraries or from Himley Hall on 01834 817817.

Forms can also be downloaded online from www.dudley.gov.uk/himleyhall Details of Dudley Walking Festival walks will be available in the new Green Spaces for Health brochure.