Spooky shenanigans at Rotherham Walking Festival

Rotherham's town centre has a history dating back nearly 2,000 years. Filled with war, intrigue, famous faces and historic architecture, it is no wonder the odd supernatural experience has been reported.

On Thursday, May 13 at 7.30pm, Ian Sharpe from the Far Out Theatre Company, will be taking visitors around the town centre to highlight the spectres and phantoms of Rotherham.

The terrifying tour will be taking in the Chapel on the Bridge, which is rumoured to have held Mary, Queen of Scots, for a short while, and the haunting visage of Boston Castle.

Tickets for the walk are on sale now from Rotherham Visitor Centre priced at £5 (concessions £3). Booking in advance is essential.

For those that want to enjoy the beautiful countryside of the borough minus the ghosts, a host of walks with a mixture of different experiences for all tastes, has also been arranged for the phenomenally popular festival.

This year's Rotherham Walking Festival, which takes place from May 8 to 16, and is organised by the Council, offers a programme with a difference, with a mixture of different walking experiences for all tastes.

For those of you who wish to take walking to another level, an introductory  workshop to 'race walking' for both children and adults will give winning walkers the opportunity to have a go at the exciting Olympic sport.

Footy fans can even get in on the action as Rotherham United will be offering an easy walk alongside some of their current squad.

A chance to raise funds for your local charities will be available via walks for Bluebell Wood Hospice, Bosom Buddies, Gamma Scanner Appeal and the charities chosen by the Mayor of Rotherham.

The Trans-Pennine Trail celebrates its 21st anniversary this year and to celebrate the fact, a walk along the trail is being organised by the authority's Public Rights of Way Service.

The festival is supported by a number of volunteer Walk Leaders and Walking Groups from the local area, including the popular walks of the Five Churches and Six Churches routes.

Culture and Leisure's Events and Promotions Officer, Dawn Campbell, said: "The range of people who look forward to the Walking Festival coming around each year is amazing. Rotherham has so much beautiful countryside which can be enjoyed by all ages and the festival really reflects that.

"The festival has so many highlights this year that it is hard to pick a particular one, but we expect the Ghoolie Ghost Walk through town to be particularly popular. In past years we have had thousands of people join us for the festival and we are hoping that 2010 will be the most popular ever."

Easy, moderate and hard walks are available in the morning, afternoon, evening and at weekends and range from one to 25 miles for all to enjoy and take at their own pace.

Please contact the Rotherham Visitor Centre on 01709 835904 for more information.