First Walking & Wheeling Festival in August
‘Walk, wheel and connect’
Eastleigh Borough Council and Hampshire County Council have funded Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity, to deliver the Borough’s first 30-day Walking and Wheeling Festival to help residents ‘Walk, wheel and connect’.
Local organisations, artists and volunteers are providing over 30 free led and self-led routes across the Borough over 30 days to explore by foot, wheelchair and mobility aid. They cover a range of themes, lengths, locations and access needs over 17 locations - so there is a route to suit everyone!
They are designed to help residents explore their local area and discover the joys of moving under their own steam. The amazing route leaders will use history, art, nature, photography to bring fun and interest to each event – we even have the inspiring triple-gold Paralympian Swimmer, Peter Hull MBE bringing a sporting talk about his inspiring journey to Barcelona 1992 success!
The festival launches from Thursday 14 August with a special event for families, 'Careering Through Time: A Solve-A-Long Railway Adventure Trail'. Created by The Point for the Hamble Rail Trail as part of Railway 200, this free activity will celebrate the 200 years of public railways in Great Britain.
The majority of routes require booking in advance and have limited places, so we recommend booking ahead. This is your chance to explore the local area with accessible walks led by expert walk leaders and local volunteers or head off at your own pace on a self-guided ramble.
Eastleigh Borough Council’s Cabinet Member Health, Cllr Tonia Craig, said:” We hope that everyone takes advantage of this inclusive pilot event to experience the knowledge and guidance of the amazing route leaders in some interesting and beautiful locations across the Borough. It’s really worth soaking it in at a slow pace - connecting with each other and your surroundings.”
To learn more and to book, visit eastleigh.gov.uk/EastleighWWfest
Hard copy programmes will be available from libraries, GP surgeries and community centres across the Borough.