The festival is sponsored by Breaking Free, the Farnham Farmers’ Market and the Co-op, and will take place between Sunday, May 20, and Sunday, June 3.
There will be 37 guided walks ranging from short strolls and circular walks, to a 14-mile hike across the North Downs Way or a 13-mile run from Farnham to Guildford.
In a sneak peak of what to expect in this year’s Walking Festival, Chris Shepheard led a walk pointing out a range of natural war defences, pillboxes and anti-tank implacements.
He also took the group to Mother Ludlam’s Cave, where he told the different versions of legend surrounding the white witch, whose cauldron still remains in Frensham Church.
Another historic landmark was the location of the ‘Moor Park Riot’ or the ‘Battle of Moor Park’, where Sir William Rose decided to close the gates of Moor Park, making the path private access.
In January 1897, his men secured the gates shut with chains, but around 400-500 men, and a few women, gathered outside with weapons and took part in a mass trespass - as shown in the picture below.
Farnham Urban District Council arrived and forced the gates open using crowbars. The gates have remained open ever since.
Chris started the festival last year after suggesting the idea to the town clerk, Iain Lynch.
He explained that people can expect to see anything while on a walk, “from nature to geology, to heritage, to keeping fit as well”.
Chris said: “We try to have a bit of everything, so it’s all a volunteer effort as to what walks we want to do and it’s amazing what’s come out.”
Each walk will be led by local experts and volunteer groups, who will refer to different points of interest along the way.
Jill Hargreaves, councillor for tourism and events, said: “The Walking Festival is a wonderful way to find out more about Farnham and all that it has to offer.
“Walk leaders will take you on a journey of discovery as they share their knowledge about local history, heritage, archaeology, art, nature and Farnham’s industrial past.
“Walkers will stumble across buildings, views and sights that can only be experienced on foot.”
The walks programme caters for all levels of fitness and ability and includes walk-related events, such as an introduction to Nordic walking and a class where you can learn the basics of an efficient gait.
Leading the ‘Farnham art walk’ is Graham Mollart, who also took part in last year’s festival.
He said: “We learnt things from the walkers, they told us things that we didn’t know.
“It seems a bottomless pit what you can find out about how many art and craft activities have happened in the town over a hundred and something years really.
“It allows you to look at your own town with totally fresh eyes.”
Another leader is Liz Witham, who is a keen walker with Farnham Ramblers.
She will be leading the ‘exploring paths around Pierrepont’ walk, where people can expect to walk through woodlands, see Pierrepont Farm, cross a footbridge over the River Wey and finish at Frensham Little Pond.
Liz said: “It’s close by to Farnham, not far to go to find really nice open countryside.
“I think the more people we can get walking the better.”
Each walk is labelled as being easy, moderate or strenuous and includes details such as whether it is family friendly, if dogs are allowed, whether walkers need to bring lunch or if it’s wheelchair friendly.
Dave Harvey from Breaking Free, said: “There’s no real down sides to walking apart from getting a bit dirty and muddy occasionally but who cares.
“You learn something about Farnham constantly.
“More people can do it this year though because it’s spread over two weeks rather than one, it means people can do more walks.”
Places are limited, so for full details on each of the walks and to book online go to www.farnham.gov.uk/walkingfestival, or pick up a Walking Festival programme from the council offices and other information points around town.
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