A walking festival is taking place to celebrate the launch of the new Dartmoor Way walking route.

The walking festival, hosted by Dartmoor Way CIC and supported by Devon Ramblers, will take place from Saturday, April 30 to Monday, May 2. Walkers will be able to enjoy a range of different walks, all of which will follow a route on a section of the Dartmoor Way and will be lead by members from various rambling and walking groups who are based all around the national park.

Michael Owen, Dartmoor Way project manager, said: ‘The Dartmoor Way is a recently created 108 mile long waymarked walking trail that circles Dartmoor. The route can be enjoyed all year round from the freshness and colours of spring, through the glories of high summer and wonderful colours of autumn, to the stark beauty of winter.

‘A High Moor Link crosses the moor from Tavistock through to Buckfast, enabling two smaller circles of either the Northern or Southern Moors to be completed. The route links up with the Two-Moors Way long-distance footpath offering a wide variety of route options.’

A variety of walks are on offer which cater for all abilities, covering different distances and terrains. They will explore open moorland and ancient wooded valleys, deep drove roads that have been used for generations and pass through idyllic moorland towns and villages. There will also be a separate family bike ride.

Organisers recommend bringing refreshments and appropriate clothing and footwear to cover all weathers and eventualities on the day or days for those who will be joining the walks. Many of the walks will be unsuitable for young children. Dogs are welcome but are advised to be on a short lead.

Dartmoor National Park Authority’s head of recreation, access and estates Andy Watson said: ‘The Dartmoor Way Walking Festival is a fantastic way for people to explore this wonderful landscape and celebrate the launch of the Dartmoor Way, a fantastic route around the world famous national park and a project we have been very happy to support.’

For walk details visit www.dartmoorway.co.uk

A booking and information service is in operation from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Call 07835188239 or email [email protected] with details of the walk or walks you are interested in and/or would like to participate in.