Dorchester's first Walking Festival got off to a stomping start over the weekend.

The festival was officially launched at a special reception, hosted at the Kingston Maurward Stinsford Centre, on Friday afternoon.

Organiser Miranda Woodgate welcomed guests, including the Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Janet Hewitt, and spoke a little about the programme ahead.

Brief talks were also given on Dorchester's famous author Thomas Hardy and his connections with Kingston Maurward, and Margaret Marande spoke about the 212-mile Hardy Way – a popular walking route around Dorset that she mapped out after retiring.

From nature walks to brewery tours, the nine-day Dorchester Walking Festival will offer something for everyone, running until Sunday, May 21 and marking National Walking Month.

The programme offers 50 guided walks to choose from – a mixture of long and short walks and activities for all abilities and interests. 

Whether you are a keen hiker or prefer a gentle stroll, the programme will include something for everyone – for all ages, families and individuals alike.

Opening events over the weekend included a dawn chorus walk, a tour of Poundbury looking at locations returning to nature after construction, a family scavenger hunt, a folk music walk and a longer hike exploring the South West Coast Path from South Down to Lulworth Cove.

The festival has so far proved popular, with several of the walks fully booked.

Events will continue throughout the week, with common themes including nature, architecture, history and heritage, including tours exploring Dorchester's brewing heritage and beer tastings, a look at the town's Victorian architecture, and a tour of King Charles' Poundbury.

Longer walks will include an away day for a nine-mile exploration of the coastal path around Weymouth and several of the events will start or finish with refreshments including coffee, beer tastings and cream teas at several of Dorchester's hospitality businesses.

The festival will finish with the beating of the bounds – an ancient tradition celebrated at the town boundaries – led by town crier Alistair Chisholm, meeting at the Roman Town House at 4pm on Sunday, May 21. All are welcome to come along with pots, pans, drums and rattles to make some noise!

For more details and the full programme of events or to book a walk, visit https://discoverdorchester.co.uk/dorchester-walking-festival/