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Scottish Borders walking festival on the march to success

Date: 28th August 2012

SEStran is backing the annual Scottish Borders Walking Festival for the second year running in 2012.

The Festival, which is now entering its 18th year, is held at a different location in the Borders annually. This year’s event, which is based in the historic fishing town of Eyemouth, has so far attracted over 500 sign-ups.

SEStran is sponsoring the Festival as part of its commitment to encouraging sustainable forms of transportation; including walking, for public health and to reduce traffic congestion and car dependency. A number of the inter-community all-abilities routes have been specifically branded “SEStran walks”.

Participants are also being encouraged to reach the walk starting point using sustainable means of transportation including public transport, cycling and car sharing.

SEStran Chair, Cllr Russell Imrie said:

“SEStran is proud to sponsor the Scottish Borders Walking Festival once more in 2012.

“It is Scotland’s longest-running annual walking event and certainly the biggest of its kind in the South East. It’s also one of the most popular, as the rate of sign-ups for the festival shows”.

“The Borders Walking Festival caters for all levels of ability. There is everything ranging from gentle rambles through the region’s beautiful and historical towns and villages, to serious hiking for those seeking a more demanding day out.”

“Walking requires no special equipment except for a sturdy pair of shoes and a waterproof. It contributes towards improved overall fitness and health and can also be a faster form of transportation for shorter journeys”

Festival Chair, Jo Pawley added:

 “We are very excited to be hosting this festival once again. It has been a few years since it was last held here.”

“We have 21 walks planned for every level of ability and so far 531 walkers have booked to come. We also have a full weeks -worth of entertainment for the walkers and townsfolk. It is very exciting and a bit scary just hope the weather holds for us. If it does it means we can showcase our lovely town and our area which is just beautiful”

For further information, please visit the Scottish Walking Festival web site at www.borderswalking.com or contact:

Andrew Dougal, SEStran Communications Officer

T: 0131-524-5161

M: 07889-010-291

E: Andrew.dougal@sestran.gov.uk

ENDS

SEStran - South East of Scotland Transport Partnership - is one of seven new Statutory Regional Transport Partnerships (RTP) created by the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 and is a partnership of eight local councils covering the Borders, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian, Edinburgh, Fife, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire.