THE 25th Borders Walking Festival is quickly heading towards being a sell-out.

And it is hoped that a permanent reminder of the week of walks can be built on top of a nearby hill.

Between September 7 and 14 a total of 28 walks around Selkirk and the neighbouring Ettrick and Yarrow valleys will be led.

And throughout the week there is also a packed programme of social events, including talks, theatre, music and a quiz night.

With the website already live, the guided walks, which range from two miles up to a more challenging 16 miles, are close to being sold out.

But an appeal has been made for more volunteers and support for the evening events.

Alistair Pattullo from the Walking Festival committee said: "Some of the walks have already sold out with others at around 70 percent of capacity.

"Our evening events, such as the opening night and the ceilidh, still have plenty spaces so we would encourage people to go online now and book their tickets.

"We also need a few more volunteers to meet-and-greet walkers and help set up.

"If anyone can help out for a few hours they should get in touch."

The week-long series of walks stretch as far as Melrose and the Eildons, Traquair, the Grey Mare's Tail and Megget.

And there also many gentler strolls in and around the Royal Burgh.

The evening entertainment includes an opening night with BBC presenter Cameron Mcneish, musical sessions in the Gordon Arms, a talk on the Border Reivers, a presentation by film-maker John Smail, a performance of the play Dr John Stewart Muir, the Beloved Doctor, and a Friday evening ceilidh in the Victoria Halls.

Former walk guide Doug Purves hopes the Festival can also leave a legacy in the shape of a viewfinder on one of the Burgh's most popular hills.

He said: "Since this is the 25th Borders Walking Festival, wouldn't it be great if a legacy was left with a viewfinder placed on Peat Law.

"This would be something that would continue to attract walkers to the area, long after the festival is finished."

A similar viewfinder is already placed on Selkirk Hill, above the town's golf course.

Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar said: "There wouldn't be a problem is getting a viewfinder for Peat Law made but it would come down to cost and getting permission."

Further details on all of the walks and social events are available at www.borderswalking.com