TICKETS for Monmouth­shire's relaunched walking festival go on sale for the first time this week (September 1).

The idea of a Walking Festival, which has the backing of keen walker and TV presenter, Kate Humble, is not new to Monmouthshire but is now being coordinated by a group of four to broaden its scope and its appeal in 2011.

Chair of the coordinating group, Clare Scutts says: "We have set about working in a different way – by contacting local societies and asking them to create a walk with us so we can introduce people to everything from flora and fauna to astronomy, local history to Nordic Walking."

She says the festival, comprising 10 days of walks, has: "Literally something for everyone - at least one 'serious' walk a day and then a special interest event which helps us discover a little more about what's going on in Monmouthshire."

"As the Festival is a start up we are heavily reliant on good word of mouth, so Join us on Facebook, tell your friends and family, download one of our posters and post it in your village – the Festival is all about chipping in and everyone can help in making this festival a success."

• The Festival runs from October 21 to 31. All walks are by ticket, led by trained walkers and limited to 15 people to make sure the group moves at a suitable pace. Outlines of each walk can be found on the website http://www.walkinginmonmouthshire.org">www.walkinginmonmouthshire.org. Tickets are available online or via Tourist Information Centres.