It's not long now until August Bank Holiday weekend; hopefully one that will be blessed with fine weather and the opportunity to enjoy some well organised walks in lovely Somerset countryside.

A sunhat, a sandwich, sensible footwear and some water are all you need. Well, that's the offer from Mendip Ramblers!

Planning for their annual Free Walking Festival, postponed from 2020, is almost complete. There will be three full days of walking: Saturday to Monday August 28 to 30, fingers crossed of course, and not just for fine weather.

We will be based in the village of Shipham, which marks the beginning (or end) of The Limestone Link, a 36 mile route linking the Cotswold Way and the West Mendip Way.

Shipham was listed in the Domesday Book and has a history of sheep farming and lead mining. In 1790 Hannah More, the Bristol born writer and social reformer, established a school here for the children of impoverished miners.

Situated high on the Mendip Hills there are far reaching views nearby towards Cheddar, Glastonbury and the Bristol Channel.

There will be four walks on each day: a Medium walk of about five miles, an Intermediate walk of about eight miles, and a Long walk of about 10 miles, all starting at 10am. The short Family walk of about three miles will start at 1.30pm.

All walks begin at Shipham Village Hall, New Road, Shipham, Somerset, BA25 1SG. All are welcome, Ramblers, non Ramblers, visitors to the area, and those from the surrounding area. We hope that the variety of walks will encourage new walkers too.

Children with their families are especially welcome; the short afternoon walks might be a good introduction to the pleasures of walking? If allowed tea and cake at the end of each walk is the reward.

For more information go to www.mendipramblers.co.uk or phone Kevin on 01749 672996.

By Elaine Dadley for Mendip Ramblers