DAWLISH Walking Festival is back.

Starting on Saturday September 9, organisers hope to encourage as many people to join in the varied series of walks in and around Dawlish.

A spokesman said: ‘We are delighted to be back with a wide variety of walks on offer and some great new walks for 2023.

‘There is something for everyone.

‘Many walks are led by community organisations and individuals who generously give their time during the festival.’

The eight-day festival starts with a walk around Kenton Common led by Teignmouth and Dawlish Ramblers.

Beginning at the Piazza in Dawlish at 10.30am, the 5.8mile route will take walkers from Kenton Common to Black Forest Lodge, into the Black Forest, Home Farm, Mowlish Farm, Westlake Farm, Church Brake, Haldon View and Kenton.

Later that day will be the welcome walk for the start of the festival.

At 11am, walkers will meet at the Bandstand on the Lawn to begin a sea shanty walk with a stroll down to the seafront and walk along the promenade to Coryton Cove, stopping to sing as they go.

Traditional sea shanty songs will be led by the Wrecked Again Shanty Crew.

This walk is about 1.5miles and finishes at noon back at the Bandstand.

The day finishes with a history group walk taking in Cockwood.

Starting at 1.45pm, it will cover the history of Cofton and Cockwood before walking back to Dawlish as close to the old route that would have been taken pre-1750.

The walk will be on lanes, pavements and grass paths and there are two hills, finishing at St Gregory’s Church at the heart of old Dawlish.

The festival is organised by Sustainable Dawlish with sponsorship from The Shoe Centre and Dawlish Town Council with assistance from volunteers.

Focused on encouraging people to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, Sustainable Dawlish champions

walking through the annual Walking Festival because it is very beneficial for people’s health, wellbeing and the environment.

Participants are asked to arrive in plenty of time and wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

All walks are assessed as to the weather conditions. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Walks suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters are indicated next to each walk.