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Bristol Walk Fest to return in 2021
Bristol Walk Fest is returning after having to postpone 2020’s event.
The city’s annual walking festival didn’t take place last year due to the pandemic, but it will be taking place again for 2021.
2021’s Walk Fest will be Covid-secure and takes place from May 1-31. In normal times, the festival hosts many group walks, including Nordic walking, history trails and longer circuits of the nearby countryside.
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But to keep participants safe, 2021’s festival will instead offer digital excursions, signposts to a variety of walking routes and activities and step-counting incentives.
Organisers are still hoping to offer some guided and themed walks for all ages and fitness levels.
The organisers of the event are also asking for walk ideas which can be submitted via email, the website and on Facebook.
Bristol Walk Fest returns in 2021. Photo: Lowie Trevena
“A rare positive from lockdown is that many more people have discovered how much pleasure can be gained from exploring Bristol and its surrounds on foot,” says festival director Karen Lloyd.
“Bristol Walk Fest 2021 will aim to build on that by highlighting the many and varied ways in which it is possible to do more walking and enjoy the health benefits it brings no matter what Covid-19 rules are in force in May.”
2021’s festival is being co-ordinated by Active Ageing Bristol, St Monica Trust, the Anchor Society, Age UK Bristol, Bristol City Council Access Fund, Bristol Ramblers and Bristol Health Partners.
“Pandemic control measures may make it difficult for us to out-perform the amazing 2019 response but walking remains one of the very best ways to exercise,” Karen says.
“It eases stress, lifts the spirits and encourages better sleeping as well as improving physical fitness. So whatever Walk Fest 2021 can do to get more people walking will make its return worthwhile.”
The full programme for 2021’s event is due to be released in mid-April.
Main photo: Bristol Walk Fest
Read more: A morning stroll with Bristol Walk Fest
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