An event with plenty of sole is returning to Alton as the programme for the town’s Autumn Walking Festival has been confirmed.

The week-long programme by Walk Alton and Alton Town Council follows the success of the May event with the latest taking place from October 14 to 20.

The programme will include a combination of new and previous routes with both professionals and casual strollers welcome to put their best feet forward. 

There should be something for everyone with routes taking in picturesque countryside, abundant nature and the rich history of the Alton area.

‘The Historic Alton Trail’ will include plenty of facts and figures with the route encompassing plenty of town’s historic landmarks including Jane Austen sites and the delightful market square. 

Walkers don’t need much persuasion to join the ‘Literary Walk’ in Jane Austen’s country with a gentle route from Alton to Chawton planned.

There’s also the option to look into a steamy past with the ‘Alton Lost Railways’ route which will focus on the Basingstoke and Alton Light Railway which closed nearly a century ago.

The route ‘Getting To Know The Hangers’ is where geology meets history as walkers will trek between East Worldham and Wick Hill Farm on a picturesque trek around one of East Hampshire’s prettiest areas.

A new walk to the South Down Roastery site in Worldham has also been added to the programme.

To join the mailing list for the walking event visit https://www.alton.gov.uk/alton-walking-festival/ and register your interest. By Katie Harding