RAMBLERS and nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the county when a popular walking festival kicks off next month.

Now in its sixth year, the Suffolk Walking Festival will run from May 11 until June 2 and will feature 52 guided walks around different parts of the county.

The event has been developed by Suffolk County Council’s Discover Suffolk Project alongside a number of district councils to promote tourism in the area.

For the first time the walk will escapsulate the whole county, with events being held in all corners of Suffolk.

There will be a pier to pier walk from Southwold to Lowestoft and a march through Landguard Fort’s historic site.

Themed walks in this year’s programme include the Flights of Fancy promenade which will take ramblers on a tour of Ravenswood and the former Ipswich airport building.

Another event will teach walkers about Charles Dickens’ visits to Ipswich.

Other aspects of the festival will show walkers the history of some of the county’s much-loved towns.

The walks vary in length from one-hour strolls to eight-hour adventures.

Visit www.discoversuffolk.org.uk for the full details of the festival.

Have you taken part in the Suffolk Walking Festival in years gone by? Leave your comments here.