Aviemore Walking Festival 2006 - Dates

One for the diary in the form of the dates for this year's fourth annual Aviemore Walking Festival which takes place between Saturday 6 May and Sunday 14 May in the Cairngorms.

The organisers of the event are hoping to attract around 2000 people to the northern 'Gorms with 100 walking routes on offer ranging from low-level riverside paths to mountain peaks and passes.

Organiser of the event Jonathan Gatenby is chuffed to bits with the way things are going and, in particular, the maturing of the festival into an event with something for everyone.

Qualified guides, he explains, offer three levels of walks - strenuous, moderate and easy - 'which ensures all levels from beginners to veterans can enjoy the beauty and adventure of this part of the world in safety.'

'This year's highlights range from a trip for the seious hikers up Ben Macdui - the highest point of the Cairngorm plateau and the second highest peak in the UK - to a badger-watching walking in the badger hotspot of Boat of Garten'.

There's plenty more besides, cost is £5.00 per day with a maximum of £30 per person. and you can access the full programme at www.aviemorewalking.com where you can also find photographs from last year's festival.