AS many as 85 walkers, including a couple from Australia, took part in the Quantock Hills Walking Festival – a number that was well up on last year.

Stowey Walking organised six guided walks in and around the Quantocks and on the coast, over the two days, June 22 and 23.

The majority of walkers, 70 per cent, came from Somerset, but many came from elsewhere in the UK, as well as the couple from Australia who were holidaying in Devon.

Several of the visitors stayed in local bed and breakfasts over the weekend, making a positive contribution to the local economy.

Walkers were offered tea and home-made cake at the Nether Stowey Church Centre after their walk.

Contributions raised from the weekend will help over the coming year with ongoing costs and new projects, helping to improve facilities for walkers in and around the Quantock Hills as part of the nationwide Walkers are Welcome initiative.

Stowey Walking wishes to thank all who made the festival a success, particularly the walk leaders, back-markers and kitchen crew for giving up their weekend and making everything go smoothly.