THE patter of hiking boots will be evident in Malvern this spring as the town holds a walking festival in a bid to attract scores of visitors.

The Malvern Walking Festival was held as a trial in October last year and proved such a success, it is running again this year.

It has been organised by the Malvern's Experience - a partnership involving various bodies including Malvern Hills District Council, the Malvern Hills Conservators and Morgan Motor Company to raise the profile of the area.

Participants will be able to take part in a variety of walks for all ages and abilities, ranging from 4km strolls to 16km hikes. The walks will take in town trails, pathways on the Malvern Hills, with one route along part of the Worcestershire Way from Malvern via the North Hill to Cradley.

Elgar Festival date

The event takes place from Saturday, May 28 to Monday, May 30 and is being held to coincide with the Elgar Festival organised by the Malvern-based English Symphony Orchestra and celebrating the music of the famous composer who lived in the town for part of his life.

Organisers are also planning a similar festival to coincide with the October school half-term.

Each of the walks are guided and leaders include Ruth Kiely from the Mum's Up The Malvern group - a team of mums who scale the hills with their prams - and Mercy Augier from the Sole Mates walking group.

Ian Rowat, Malvern Hills Conservators' director, said it was not just about attracting visitors to the hills but the town as a whole.

"It's appealing to all age groups and all types of people and a lot of the walks are starting in Malvern so people can park in the town, go shopping afterwards and have a cup of tea."