THE Swanage & Wareham Walking Festival will return for its seventh year in 2016, it has been announced.

September’s event will include a packed programme of walks, including many special interest rambles through parts of Purbeck usually inaccessible

Festival chairman Bob Westwood said: “We are very lucky in this part of the UK to be relatively sheltered, and often get weather from the coast of France.

“It means residents and visitors get to explore some of the UK’s most beautiful coast and countryside all year round, in relative comfort and safety.”

Routes this year include walks commemorating both world wars, a new family bug walk, quarrying, shipwreck, smuggling, art, literature, photography and ghost story walks.

Mr Westwood said: “The festival has grown enormously, the idea being that we cater for all tastes and fitness abilities.

“There is such a diverse range of activities and attractions in the area, as well as protected wildlife areas, that we can provide something for everyone.

“Purbeck has some of the UK’s rarest species, and those taking part can expect to encounter Sika deer, a variety of sea birds, as well as the potential for sightings of dolphin, Minke whale and other local wildlife.

“September works well for us now, the region is quieter and can bring very warm temperatures, enough to encourage some to take a dip in the sea.”

Meanwhile, a festival spokesman added: "Purbeck offers something for everyone and our walks have been designed to show as much of the area as possible. Some include a pub lunch in a typical Dorset village and others a ride home on the steam train.

"The area is steeped in Dorset history, the civil war ruin of Corfe Castle, the evacuated village at Tyneham and, of course, the unique geology of the area."

The Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival runs September 17-25.

Visit walkswanage.com for full information