From bats to birds and food to herbs, Bradford on Avon’s third Walking Festival proved a hit for all ages at the weekend.

Organised by the Bradford on Avon Walkers are Welcome, it was spread over three days and included 11 walks to suit all ages and abilities. There was a 76 per cent increase on the previous year, as 195 people took part – the youngest six years old and the oldest 90.

They came from all over the south-west region, as well as from Canada, the USA and a young couple from Singapore on honeymoon.

Richard Craft, chairman of the BoA Walkers are Welcome group, said: “Four of the walks were completely sold out and we averaged 18 people per walk, which is amazing. The walking was excellent with stunning views and congenial company and we’ve been receiving great feedback.

“I’m now looking forward to next year’s festival which we’re already beginning to plan.”

The most popular walk was bat spotting when seven different types of bat were seen; the bird walkers were lucky enough to spot a kingfisher and a cormorant.

Other walks included Bath’s Two Tunnels, the pumping station at Claverton, Quirky Corners of BoA, and the Heritage and Historic Buildings walk.

There were walks for food lovers and the herbal walk opened people’s eyes to the medicinal plants which grow wild.

The BoA Walkers are Welcome group walks twice a month on the mornings of the second Sunday and last Tuesday.

The walks are free, open to anyone, always leave from outside the BoA Tourist Information Centre and are usually over between five and seven miles.

For more information visit www.walkbradfordonavon.

org