Learn something new about an area, by taking one of the many heritage walks on offer as part of the European Heritage Days project.

Over 5500 assorted events, including walks,  are taking place in the UK organised by the national heritage bodies such as English Heritage or the Scottish Civic Trust.

Depending on where you live, each umbrella group has their own title for events held in their jurisdiction:

• In England the events come under the title – Heritage Open Days and take place between the 9-12 September 2010
• In Scotland they are known as Doors Open Days
• In Wales Open Doors 2010 – Drysau Agored 2010 – is the title
• and in Northern Ireland events are arranged under the title European Heritage Open Days

Find out more about the Heritage Open Day scheme and events in your area via Heritageandhistory.com

Blue plaque walks

Finding out something new about where you live by taking one of the many blue plaque walks on offer.

Plaques have now been installed around the country and they commemorate the link between notable figures of the past and the buildings in which they lived and worked.

The Blue Plaque scheme is officially based in London, where over 850 locations are now marked.  Local councils and civic organisations administer their own schemes with advice from English Heritage.

Highlights of Blue Plaque or commemorative walks include:

• In Rugby, a walking tour is on offer taking in the many historical, sporting and architectural features led by a blue badge guide.
• Take a stroll around Leeds with the Leeds Civic Trust on Thursday 9 September 2010 and you can learn much more about the local characters that shaped the City.
• Find out more about some of the 100 commemorative plaques in and around Brighton with the Floral Clock Circular trail organised by the Regency Town House project.

Local history walks

If notable figures are not your thing, then maybe a local history walk is one way you can get involved.

Buildings, parks, statues and industry all provide a rich mix of local stories and are a fantastic way to learn more about your surroundings.

History walk highlights include:

• Learn more about the industrial heritage of Reading with a 2 mile walk organised by Explore Reading.
• Celebrate the 150 anniversary of Wheathampstead Station in Hertfordshire.  The station was on the Hatfield to Luton & Dunstable Line and is now a cycle & walk way.
• The Hooton Park site in Cheshire is a World War I / World War II airfield site which now consists of three Grade II* listed Belfast Hangars built in 1917. For Heritage Open Days you can attend a special presentation on the history of Hooton Park followed by a walk round the site.
• Trace the history of Kirkcaldy in Fife through the lesser and better known characters buried in the graveyard; people like Baillie Robert Philp who set up schools for poor children in Kirkcaldy and find out who fought the last duel in Scotland! 12 September 2010
• City of Llandaff Guided Walk – 18 Sep 10.30 – 2.30 A guided walk around the historic city of Llandaff considering its architectural history and development from Norman times and Victorian Renaissance.

Nature Walks

A number of walking events with a nature theme are available during September.  Bats, marshlands, rivers and dogs are all topics discussed or used as themes for some of the many nature based walks.

Nature walk highlights include:

• Built in the late 14th century, as the lordly residence of the Crichtons and later home to the Earls of Bothwell, Crichton Castle, currently in the care of Historic Scotland, is home to a variety of bats, such as pipistrelle, brown long-eared and Natterers. The event starts at 1900 hrs and finishes at 2030 hrs approximately,  Saturday, 11 September 2010.
• From Bricks to Butterflies – is the title of an event being held at Bletchley’s Blue Lagoon Nature Reserve, Buckinghamshire.  See how the ravages of industry transformed the landscape allowing wildlife (and people) to flourish.
• Dolaucothi Goldmines, Pumsaint, Llanwrda – Saturday, 11 September 11 – 5pm –  These unique Roman gold mines are set amid wooded hillsides with splendid views of the beautiful Cothi Valley and three estate walks.

Notes

Please note that although many walks are free, additional charges may apply, such a car parking. We would advise that you check with the organisers prior to arranging your itinerary. We are not responsible for any incorrect details or if events are cancelled.