VISITORS from near and far are booking up for this year's Mini Walking Festival in Galashiels, which runs from April 30 to May 1.

The walk will take in some of the most scenic and picturesque routes in the region, and the organisers hope to build on the success of last year's Borders Walking Festival.

There is a choice of eight walks on the slopes around Galashiels over the two days and these include include visits to Cauldshiels Loch, Buckholm Tower, Yair Bridge and the Three Brethren. Each walk costs £8, including transport where it is needed.

Chair of the Group, Tracey Alder, said: "We made many new friends when we hosted the 2015 Scottish Borders Walking Festival. This year we hope to see some of them again and welcome more keen walkers to our Mini Festival.”

David Deacon, 77, is a keen hill-walker from Mintlaw, in Aberdeenshire. He attended last year's festival and is keen to return to Galashiels for this year's smaller event.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph, he said: “I went down to my first Borders Walking Festival in Innerleithen three years ago and it was the holiday of a lifetime for me. It was absolutely smashing, the organisation, the friendliness, everything.

“I went to Jedburgh the following year, and then last year I tried Galashiels. Gala has the edge for me, because there are more eateries in the town and more to do after the walks. Plus the guides on the walks are very informative and they make allowances for all types on the walk. The ultra fit and the bumbling along behind are all catered for.

"I am always very impressed with the friendliness and the hospitality of the folk that I met in the Borders. I have lived in the North East of Scotland for a few years now, and it takes a bit of time for people to get to know you. Whereas I found down in the Borders, they make you feel welcome straight away.”

David, who worked in the RAF for 33 years is originally from London, but has made Scotland his home. “When I wasn't overseas, most of my postings were spent in various parts of Scotland. I fell in love with the place, and this is home now.”

He will make the journey south from Aberdeenshire, but there are plenty who will travel even greater distances for this year's event.

David said: “There is a Dutch couple, I think I have seen them every year since I first came done to the Borders. They told me last year was their 21st visit for a walking festival in the Borders.

“There is also a Finnish lady who I got chatting to in 2015, and she said this is her fifth or sixth walking festival. She travels over every year. At the end of the walks some of us will meet up in the evening and have a meal together. It is just a marvellous atmosphere and a great occasion to be a part of.”

As well as the main walks, on the Saturday evening, April 30 there will be a Mini Walking Festival social event at the Focus Centre in Galashiels.

This is open to both walkers and the public, with a buffet and bar. Entertainment will be by the Bogie Close Stompers, John Nichol and the Ward School of Irish Dancers. Tickets costing £6 can be bought on 01896 753296 or at the door on the night.

For more information, see www.galawalk.co.uk.