WALKERS are getting set to don their walking boots and head to Dudley for the borough’s annual trail.

The Dudley Borough Trail, which attracts more than 2,000 people every year, will take place on Sunday, April 30, with organisers promising an event that will be bigger and better than ever before.

Walks of six, nine, 12, 20 and 28 miles are on offer, with routes covering the hidden beauty and proud industrial heritage of the borough.

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

Checkpoints are strategically placed along each of the five routes to ensure the whereabouts of walkers are accounted for, and everyone who completes a trail receives a certificate of achievement.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, Dudley Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “Walking is fantastic exercise and that’s why we offer a range of walking activities across Dudley borough throughout the year.

“The annual borough trail offers walks for people of all ages and abilities and attracts walkers from all across the country.”

Entry costs £3 per person to join the 28 and 20 mile routes, £2.50 for the 12 and nine mile routes, and £1.50 to walk the gentler six mile route.

An additional fee of 50p will be charged for all entries on the day of the event, where light refreshments will be available.

Entry forms are available online at www.dudley.gov.uk/dudleytrail, from Dudley Council’s leisure centre and libraries, or by calling Himley Hall on 01384 817817.