Benedict Southworth picks up the grant to launch the new festival

Walkers will get a boost next year thanks to players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

The Ramblers will use a £200,000 grant from the lottery to launch a nationwide walking festival in 2016.

The walkers’ charity said the aim of the event is to get more people to discover the joys of walking.

Chief executive Benedict Southworth said: “We all know walking can do wonders for our wellbeing, it’s good for our health and our minds and we want everyone to be able to experience the many benefits and the joys it can bring.

“That’s why, thanks to the generous support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we will be launching a new, exciting walking festival in 2016.

“We’d like everyone, everywhere to join us next year when we’ll be offering a range of innovative and bespoke walks, with something to suit everyone, whether that’s a short stroll around the local park or a challenging hike to the top of Snowdon.

“At the heart of these events will be thousands of our wonderful and dedicated volunteers, who will lead walks up and down the country to make a difference in their local area. We’re enormously grateful to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

“Together we will allow more people to discover the joys of walking.”

Clara Govier, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We are delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are able to support the Ramblers with their exciting new walking festival in 2016 and we are proud that players can play a vital role in getting more people out walking.”