A POPULAR walking festival is to return this spring with organisers hopeful it will draw its biggest crowds yet.

Since 1999, Ulverston WalkFest has grown from a small gathering of keen walkers to attracting hundreds to the area every year.

Now in its 18th year the event's organisers have announced new themed walks set to take place over the 10-day festival.

Stan Aspinall, WalkFest committee member, said: "We've found that the walks with a theme have been the most popular in the past, and now we're building on that. There is something on each of the 10 days that you can do, if you want to become more confident in map reading, or learn about local history, you can."

During the festival there will be 32 walks taking place over 10 days at the end of April. Members of the public will be able to take on anything from challenging mountain trails to gentle walks.

The expansion of themed walks stems from the ambition to offer people travelling to the festival more to get their teeth into.

Mr Aspinall said: "Many walks take in local and industrial history and give walkers an insight to the rich heritage of the area."

The festival continues to grow in popularity, with more than 400 people attending last year.

Mr Aspinall said: "It's tough to explain its popularity, but we've always tried to make it as accessible as possible."

For more information about WalkFest, and how to get involved visit www.ulverstonwalkfest.co.uk .