If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors you might want to dig out your waterproofs and walking boots and head for the Blaenavon Walking Festival this year (May 18 to 21).

The festival features four guided walks, kicking off on Wednesday May 18 with an easy Pints and Prayers walk of just two miles (from 1.30pm to 3.30pm) around Blaenavon town, with a light-hearted informative commentary on the history of some of the churches and pubs. At one time the town had more than twenty of the former and more than eighty of the latter.

Next day (Thursday May 19, 10am to 4pm) walkers will explore Moorland, Manufacturing and Mining, walking across moorland looking over the Usk Valley, then down to Garnddyrys Forge, along Hill’s Tram road past the water balance lift to the Lamb and Fox, and over Dyne Steel’s Incline to Hill Pits and back to Keepers Pond by way of ancient coal workings.

Those enjoying this eight-mile hike may encounter Red Grouse and summer migrants such as Wheatear, Whinchat and Cuckoo.

A strenuous seven-mile circular walk on Friday May 20 (10am to 4pm) will explore the lonely and mysterious landscape above Cwmcelyn and Blaina – the haunt of the Old Hag of the Mountains and other supernatural creatures.

The festival ends on Saturday with an easy to moderate walk of five miles (10.30am to 3pm), starting at the Heritage Centre and following a route up to the Forgeside community built for workers at the ‘new forge’ then past Big Pit to Coity Tip, and alongside the railway to Garn lakes.

There are expected to be Mallard with ducklings, Coots, Moorhens and maybe up to thirty other species around the reserve.

Places on some of these walks can be rough and slippery so it’s advisable to wear walking boots and waterproofs. Remember to take along a drink and, for the longer walks, a packed lunch too.

All walks cost £5. You can book and pay via telephone (01495 742 333) or in person at Blaenavon World Heritage Centre. For further information call Ron Marchant on 01495 775102.