BOROUGH people are being invited to step up for the challenge of the 34th annual Dudley Trail.

Routes of six, nine, 12, 18 and 26 miles are all on offer as part of the Dudley Council event on Sunday May 4.

Participants can walk at their own pace and take in the sights of canal towpaths, disused railway lines, country footpaths during the events. All walks start at Dudley Leisure Centre at times between 8am and noon.

The event is part of the annual Dudley Walking Festival, which runs from Saturday April 19 to Sunday May 4 and features a series of walks across the borough.

Councillor Stuart Turner, Dudley cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “The Dudley Trail attracts over 2,000 people every year from the borough and beyond and there is always a great atmosphere on the day.

“The trail is suitable for walkers of all abilities and is a great way to get exercise and fresh air while discovering new parts of the borough. I would encourage people to sign up as quickly as possible.”

Checkpoints will be placed along each of the five routes to ensure the well being and whereabouts of walkers and light refreshments are available.

Entry costs £3 per person to join the 26 and 18 mile routes, £2.50 for the 12 and nine mile routes and £1.50 to walk the more gentle six miles route. An additional fee of 50p will be charged for all entries on the day.

Entry forms are available from Dudley Council’s leisure centres and libraries or by calling Himley Hall on 01834 817817. Forms can also be downloaded online from www.dudley.gov.uk/himleyhall