In celebration of this year’s Suffolk Walking Festival (which launches on Saturday 13th May) for this week’s episode, Lesley Dolphin laces up her walking boots and takes her dog for a stroll with Festival Director, David Falk.

As they walk along the banks of the River Deben, Lesley and David take in the sights and sounds of the estuary and its wildlife, whilst chatting about what makes Suffolk such a special place to walk. 

David explains how the Suffolk Walking Festival began back in 2008 as a much smaller event that has quickly grown into one of the largest walking festivals in the country. With 71 walks included in the two-week festival programme, you’ll find walks in every corner of Suffolk. Whether you’re a stroller or a stomper, a long or short distance walker, there really is something for everyone. There are even night-time walks that offer nocturnal wildlife experiences and, of course there are fully accessible routes for wheelchair users.

Having grown up in urban North London, David’s love of the outdoors was evident from an early age, as he always managed to find greenspaces to play in. His walking adventures as an adult have taken him all over the world – including hiking in the Rockies – but now, he finds his pleasure in slow walking and just being out in nature.

David is also Green Access Manager for Discover Suffolk; the County Council’s guide to getting outdoors. He tells Lesley how walking, cycling and riding in Suffolk can now be an interactive experience, with QR code trails and an app that offers a plethora of routes and locations, all over Suffolk. To find out more simply visit https://www.discoversuffolk.org.uk

For more information about the Suffolk Walking Festival please visit https://suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk