The Wales Valleys Walking Festival is approaching, with a new test to help visitors find the most suitable walking route for their ability.

The ‘Valleys Trekker Test’ features 29 walking routes colour coded from ‘Easy’ green to a ‘Very Strenuous’ red to reflect the difficulty of the walks.

Now in its sixth year, the annual festival in South Wales describes itself as “a celebration of walking and the breathtaking scenery of the Valleys”. A series of walks take place at various scenic and cultural locations, including medieval villages, lakes, waterfalls and hidden caves.

All walks are free and are led by local and experienced guides.

Frank Olding, a walk leader from Abertillery, said: “The Festival offers all kinds of routes to suit all abilities, so the colour grading helps to let people know what they’re getting themselves into!

“The routes are also tailored to suit different interests, from the likes of the ‘Cider with Stacey’ route on 07 September, offering a refreshing twist on the rambler experience, to the more challenging ‘Discover Torfaen’s Hidden Gems’ on 05 September , which involves a 15 mile hike through woodlands, a nature reserve and waterfall. This is a well respected event and we have hundreds of visitors coming from across the UK every year to enjoy The Valleys which offers some of the best walking in the UK.”

The festival will take place from 04 - 19 September.

To request a booking form contact walkingfestival@thevalleys.co.uk or call 01443 838632. Visitors can also find Wales Valleys Walking Festival on Facebook, or visit www.thevalleys.co.uk.