OVER 50 organised walks will be held later this month for residents to get a closer look at the beauty of Purbeck.

The fifth annual Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival takes place from Saturday, September 20 to Sunday, September 28, featuring photographic, ghost, bug hunting and Nordic walks.

Jackie Lane, one of the organisers of the event, said: “The landscape of Purbeck is so varied and has such a rich history that we are able to pick some of the most interesting and spectacular areas to theme our walks, ensuring that visitors and locals alike find something new to enjoy.”

She said that the event is happening this month as the team behind the festival feel that it is a good time of year for walking.

“We’ve expanded the walks this year, so that there is something for everyone with gentle walks and more strenuous walks up to about 12 miles.”

Jackie says that many of the walks are themed, with subjects of focus including smugglers, paranormal activity in the area and Purbeck during the war.

“We also have a whole programme of Nordic Walks by Lynne Martin from Nordic Walking Fit, which is based in Langton Matravers, with some being held at sunrise and sunset.

“There will be at least three themed walks and three Nordic Walks each day.”

Cotswold Outdoor has sponsored and supported this year’s event and Coastal Publishing, who create books, postcards and more on the World Heritage Site, has provided 300 books for the first people to book onto one of the themed walks. They have also donated a complete set of South West Coast Path guides for a prize draw which every walker is entered into.

“We have received fantastic support from a company called MyMiniMap who have donated maps, which are printed on waterproof paper and placed in a plastic wallet for the first 100 walkers.”

For more information and to book onto any of the events, visit the Tourist Information Centres in Wareham and Swanage or go to walkswanage.com/walks