The Barnsley Walking Festival, funded by Fit for the Future, is now in it's fifth year.

Boosted this year by the appointment of walking development officer, Pete Hodgson, the festival offers a wide range of activities for Barnsley folk to take part in.

The aim of the festival to to encourage people to get out and about more and fit in more physical activity into their everyday lives. Walking is great for improving your health and the festival shows that it can be lots of fun, whatever your age or fitness levels.

The festival offers lots of taster walks across the borough, lead by trained volunteers. They are there to show you the route, ensure everyone is safe and that everyone takes the walk at a pace they can manage.

The walks are usually no more than an hour and often include lots of interesting things to see or do.

If the guided walks aren't for you but you want to step up your activity a bit then why not try and include some walking in your everyday routine? Could you walk to work perhaps or walk to the paper shop at the weekend. Walking the kids to school is always a good way. Not everyone's daily routine is the same though, so find something that works for you. Set yourself small goals. And remember this is a great chance to rope your family or friends in!

For all the walks coming up during the festival, download the latest walks on our get active page.