HUNDREDS of people will see the sights of Malvern on foot when the town's first walking festival kicks off.

The three-day event, which runs from Friday, October 22, to Sunday, October 24, is an opportunity to take part in a series of guided walks through the town and across the hills.

It has been organised by The Malverns Experience, South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust and Malvern Hills Conservators to encourage more people to get fit and enjoy all that Malvern has to offer.

Nine walks have been organised, ranging from leisurely strolls to 10-mile treks. They will be led by local walking enthusiasts, including Mal-vern Hills Conservators director Ian Rowat, Mercy Augier from the Solemates walking group and Derek Starkey, of Time Outdoors in Church Street.

Robin Elt, chairman of The Malverns Experience, said the most important thing was that everyone felt able to take part.

"The big aim of this walking festival is to make it walks for all," he said. "There are three types of walk: short walks, medium for the average person who doesn't go too far but likes to get up on the Hills, and then long walks which are more strenuous."

Mr Elt said he was hoping to take part in The Northern Hills Circular Walk, a four-mile route over the hills led by Ian Rowat, who will discuss how the landscape has changed and what is likely to happen to it in the future.

He also said he was interested in The Malvern Ridges, a walk from Holly Bush to North Hill.

Mr Elt expects between 30 and 50 people to take part in each of the walks and hopes businesses in the town centre will open on the Sunday, so walkers can buy refreshments and food.

The partnership plans to hold the festival twice a year; at Whit Bank Holiday to tie in with the English Symphony Orchestra's Elgar Festival, and during the October half-term week.

Friday, October 22

Short walk - The Moat Pond.

An easy stroll around the Pickersleigh area with Mercy Augier. Starts 10am fromPickersleigh Community Centre on Sherrards Green Road. Easy terrain, 1.5 miles, may be muddy.

Medium walk - British Camp to the Wyche.

A leisurely exploration up and down little known tracks, combined with a wealth of local knowledge from experienced Conservator John Tretheway. Starts 10am at British Camp Car Park.

Moderate/rough terrain, five miles.

Medium walk - Town Centre/St Ann's Well/North Hill.

A gentle, energetic walk past some of Elgar's favourite haunts. A circular tour with views over at least five counties. Led by Roy Woodcock from Malvern Civic Society. Starts 2pm at Malvern Tourist Information Centre/Time Outdoors. Moderate terrain, three miles.

Saturday, October 23

Short walk - Black Hill to the Wyche.

A stroll to Black Hill walking over the oldest rock in the country, led by Conservator Ray Roberts. Starts 10.30am at British Camp car park. Easy/ moderate terrain, two miles.

Medium walk - The Wyche and

Purlieu Trail

Led by Cheryl Jones and Peter Oliver from

Malvern Geopark. Starts 2pm from The Wyche Car Park, Jubilee Drive, Malvern.

Moderate/steep terrain, 2.5 miles.

Long walk - Worcestershire Way Circular.

An energetic and strenuous walk from the start of the Worcestershire Way via North Hill to Cradley, led by Derek Starkey of Wycheway Walks. Starts 10am outside Time Outdoors, in Church Street.

Steep/moderate terrain, 10 miles.

Sunday, October 24

Short walk - The Station Walk.

An easy walk led by Mercy Augier. Starts 2pm at Great Malvern Station. Gentle terrain.

Medium walk - The Northern Hills Circular Walk.

Three hours of strenuous walking up steep sections of the hills.

Conservators director Ian Rowat will look at how the landscape has changed and what the future holds for the hills. Starts 10am outside Malvern Tourist Information Centre. Steep terrain, four miles.

Long walk - The Malvern Ridges. Holly Bush to North Hill.

The Malverns at their dramatic best. Led by Mike Dixon. Starts 10am from Holly Bush car park on the A438. Moderate to rough terrain, eight miles.