Put on your boots and go...

Because in 2012, the Bedfordshire Ramblers have organised the biggest walking festival in the county which highlights just what being a rambler is all about.

“We have five groups in the county,” said Sam Newby-Ricci, regional marketing officer for the Ramblers, “and they try to cater for all ages and all abilities.

“The one thing that the groups have in common is that everyone likes to walk and enjoys our countryside. It doesn’t matter if you are 17 or 70, we hope that people will take the time to discover the Ramblers today. And of course if you become a member you are contributing to the protection and development of the Bedfordshire countryside.”

During the Festival, which takes place between September 8 and September 16, there are a number of themed walks which aim to showcase the area in a fun and enjoyable way.

Here are some of the walks with a difference. And remember they are all free to attend. We hope that you can join us at some point over the week.

For the cyclist:

On your bike in Dunstable

Saturday, September 8 – 2pm. Ramblers know that cyclists get a lot of enjoyment out of our network of footpaths as well, so for the first time in the Walking Festival, a cycle ride has also been included.

Meet at the Dunstable Downs Gateway Centre for a five mile circular ride using quiet roads and bridleways via Kensworth Common, Holywell and Whipsnade. Children must be aged over 11 and be accompanied by an adult on this 90 minute tour of the area.

For families:

Discover Nature Walk Sunday, September 9 – 11am. Creepy crawlies, seeds and wildlife will be on the agenda on Sunday September 9, when Coin Carpenter leads a walk of nature discovery.

Meet at the Clophill Village Hall at 11am. Colin will bring all the equipment needed, but if you can provide bags for collecting seeds, this would be welcomed.

For music lovers:

All that jazz, Monday, September 10 – 6.30pm

Discover a hidden Bedford with an informative look around the streets, parks and river including world famous John Bunyan sites. Everyone taking part in the free walk will be invited to stay on afterwards and enjoy a session of live jazz at a local pub.

Meet in Church Square, Bedford for this four mile easy walk.

For the brave:

A ghost and ghoulies tour of the macabre in Bedford, Wednesday, September 12 – 6.30pm

Every old town has its history. Every old town has its ghosts. Every old town has its murders and macabre happenings. And Bedford is no exception.

Children need to bring their parents. No dogs please as they may scare the ghosts. This scary tour is free although donations will be accepted. Gather in St Pauls Square Bedford, near the John Howard Statue, for a 6.30pm start.

For the rail buff:

Ridgmont Station – All aboard for an informative stroll

Saturday, September 15 – 10.30am. The station is in the progress of being restored and this walk will give you an insight into the work which has already been done as well as what has still to be completed.

Being led by the Bedford/Milton Keynes Waterways Trust, the walk will start at the station and follow the four mile section of the waterway from the Cattle Creep by the M1 west towards Cranfield Road then to Saltford Ford for a drink and snack before getting a minibus back to Ridgmont Station. Parking is limited at the station, so if possible please use public transport.

A meander around Millbrook

Sunday, September 16 – 11am

We’ve all heard about it and we all know that it’s going to happen. But do you know where the new Center Parcs village in Bedfordshire is actually being built?

So want to see how things are progressing? Then join the Bedfordshire Walking Festival for a 3.5 mile walk around the perimeter of the plot.

The walk is moderately difficult with some climbs. The site was chosen after Center Parcs looked at more than 40 other forested areas.

The meeting place has been changed and is not as printed in the Bedfordshire Walking Festival leaflet. Please park at BOAT just outside Steppingley. (At the Steppingley crossroads on the Millbrook to Flitwick road, take the road to Steppingley. At the sharp left hand bend in front of the French Horn public house take the road almost ahead. Continue on this road for approx. 0.75 mile (1.0km) to where the road turns sharp left. Turn right at the T junction. Park just past the farm drive on the left.  OS GR TL004360.

For more details on all the walks in the Bedfordshire Walking Festival go to www.bedswalkfest.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @BedsWalkFest

Reader offer: 20% discount on Ramblers membership*

The Ramblers is not just about walking. Every year the charity campaigns for better access to our country’s footpaths, open spaces and coasts. By joining the Ramblers you are ensuring that this vital work continues and this is where your membership money is spent.

Readers can take advantage of a 20% discount on the membership fee when joining online – this means your membership costs less than £2 per month.* To find out more visit www.ramblers.org.uk or to take advantage of the joining offer visit www.ramblers.org.uk/join and quote the reference U12V2W

*New memberships with discount only valid in the first year.