A POPULAR walking festival which encouraged residents and visitors to explore and appreciate the area in Maldon has announced it will be returning.

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival attracted crowds of people to enjoy the sights in the Maldon district.

The ten-day festival, organised by Maldon District Council, was such a success that the council has confirmed it will be hosting the festival in 2024.

Participants enjoyed both led and self-guided walks from family-friendly short strolls to longer walks for walking enthusiasts.

Walks started in Maldon, Heybridge Basin, Tollesbury, Goldhanger, Burnham, Bradwell and North Fambridge.

A spokesman for the Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival said: “We are delighted to announce that the Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival will return from September 27 to October 6, 2024.

“This is a great opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside, coastal scenery, and historic towns of the Maldon District on foot.

“You can join a variety of guided walks led by local experts or discover the area at your own pace with self-guided routes.

“The festival is free to attend, but some walks may require booking in advance. Please check the details of each walk before you join. You can also download the festival brochures and maps from this page.”

The group has a Facebook Page called Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival for residents to stay up to date with festival news.