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Celebrities back walking festival
Posted on 02/09/2009
Community Services
Leicestershire celebrities are backing the county’s walking festival, by revealing their favourite places.
A total of 79 walks have been organised during the week commencing September 19, to celebrate Leicestershire’s 3,000 kilometre network of footpaths (1,864 miles), which are maintained by the county council.
Dave Bartram, lead singer of Showaddywaddy, said: “I do like to walk in Leicestershire, as does my wife.
“Our favourite walk is from the churchyard at Houghton on the Hill across acres of green fields and brooks bringing us out at the cricket field in Gaulby. Mid-way through the walk, you can see for miles over the lovely unspoilt countryside, which we sincerely hope will stay that way.”
Radio Leicester presenter Chris Baxter said: “Having recently completed the Leicestershire Round, I've many new favourites. As a long distance path, it compares favourably to any I've done!
“There are so many places I now want to return to and discover further. We're very lucky in Leicestershire, it's Britain's best-kept secret!"
Andy Cope, author of the Spy Dog series of books for children, said: “My faithful Spy Dog and I love going for walkies, especially if there’s a river for her to swim in and a pub for me to rest in.
“There’s a saying that nothing in life is free…well I think they’ve got it wrong. Walking is free! My favourite time for walking is in the autumn and winter when it’s cold on the outside but I’m snuggled up in hat, coat and scarf. Bliss
“One of my favourite walks is around Staunton Harold on the Leicestershire/Derbyshire border. It takes in the reservoir, several lime kilns - good for hiding from the rain - and Dimminsdale nature reserve. It’s superb whatever the season.”
Edward Garnier, MP for Harborough, said: ““My two favourite places to walk in Leicestershire are along the tow paths by Foxton Locks and on Burrough Hill.
“The views from Foxton across towards Billesdon are some of the best that Leicestershire offers and one has the added advantage of enjoying the tranquillity of the canal and the wild life that congregates along its banks and hedgerows.
“And I like Burrough Hill, both because it’s a handy 60 minute walk from my house to the top and back, you get superb views from it in every direction and the place is steeped in history. I am sure there are plenty of places in the county to equal these.”
Andy Reed, MP for Loughborough, said: “"We love short walks in and around the Charnwood area as a family.
“It is just great to escape from the rush and pace of our busy lives and to relax by enjoying nature up close. Even straight from home in Quorn, we can quickly be in the local countryside and feel miles away within minutes.”
The council wants to promote walking as:
- an easy way to get fit
- a chance to leave the car behind and help reduce pollution
- a good way to explore the countryside and learn about nature and history
- a chance to get sponsorship for good causes.
Ernie White, Cabinet member for Better Places, said: “Leicestershire is an excellent county for walking – there’s no better way to explore the gorgeous countryside, beautiful wildlife and historic features in our landscape. I'd really recommend the Leicestershire Round, to savour a wide range of attractive landscapes.”
For a full list of walks, see http://www.leics.gov.uk/walkingweek