Those boots were made for walking festivals… The best in the West for 2014

Whether you’re a novice walker or an experienced hiker, fancy rounding up some friends to join you or want to go it alone and make new ones – walking festivals are a great way to set new fitness goals for the New Year and experience some spectacular scenery along the way. Here is the South West Coast Path team’s pick of the best walking festivals in the South West in 2014.Lyme Regis Walking Festival (8- 16 February) Explore the beautiful coastline and inspiring hinterland of West Dorset and East Devon during this family-friendly walking festival. Local residents share their favourite walks and organised events led by Lyme’s resident guided walk experts will help you explore the town’s fascinating fossil, wildlife, history and literary secrets. www.lymeregis.org/

Boscastle Walking Week (28 March – 5 April). Join a local guide on a ramble to waterfalls, climb Cornwall’s highest coastal clifftop, or meander along the country lanes and pathways that would have been familiar to Thomas Hardy, whose visit to Boscastle produced some of his finest poetry. www.visitboscastle.com

North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival (26 April to 5 May) Starting in the Ilfracombe area, the festival, which has 41 guided walks to choose from, moves on to Lynton, Porlock and finally to Dunster over the May Day Bank holiday. Each area kicks off with a welcome evening in a local pub to meet the guides. www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk/

South East Cornwall Walking Festival  (13-20 September) This week-long festival is a great way to explore South East Cornwall on foot and includes seaside locations such as the historic fishing port of Polperro, rural hamlets, the Tamar Valley, and the edge of Bodmin Moor. The walks are led by guides and range from more gentle options of two miles to the more challenging seven-mile trek. www.visitcornwall.com/whats-on

Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival (20-28 September) Up to 50 guided walks – including Nordic, for those who want to get fit – through beautiful Purbeck countryside and Dorset clifftops for all abilities, including children and dogs on some walks.  www.walkswanage.com

Great South West Walk 2014 (20-28 September) Don’t miss the opportunity to help protect the coastline with the South West Coast Path Association’s second annual event to help raise funds for improvements along the UK’s most popular National Trail. More details to follow in the New Year at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/

Fal River Autumn Walking Festival (17 October – 2 November).  A stunning collection of guided and self-guided walks for all the family (and dogs!), taking in areas from Falmouth to Truro, the Roseland to the Helford Passage. www.falriver.co.uk/walkingfestival