It was the perfect weather for walkers to strap on their boots and rucksacks, pick up a flask, and enjoy a ramble down country lanes filled with spring flowers last weekend.

The Comet: The festival got underway last SaturdayThe festival got underway last Saturday (Image: Archant)

And there was plenty of opportunities to do so as the fourth annual Stevenage Walking Festival began to make tracks.

Walkers gathered at Fairlands Valley Showground last Saturday morning where the festival was ceremonially opened by town mayor Howard Burrell, and then embarked on the first of a programme of walks which lasts until tomorrow (Sunday, May 15).

Harold Stokes, who helps organise the festival, said: “We got off to a great start in wonderful weather. The festival continues to attract new people to walking.”

The event is a partnership between North Herts Ramblers, Stevenage Leisure 50, Stevenage Health Walks and the Hertfordshire Walking Festival, which takes place throughout May.

The Comet: Walkers at the Queen Mother memorial in the churchyard at St Paul's Walden.Walkers at the Queen Mother memorial in the churchyard at St Paul's Walden. (Image: Archant)

Walks are for all age groups and abilities and include lakes, woods, hills and historical sites. Visit www.stevenagewalkingfestival.webs.com if you’d like to get involved.

The Comet: Walkers making a coffee stop amongst the bluebells in Combs Wood close to Benington.Walkers making a coffee stop amongst the bluebells in Combs Wood close to Benington. (Image: Archant)