HEREFORDSHIRE'S much anticipated walking festival offers a tantalising combination of gastronomy and rambling but the delights of the second annual event aren't restricted to those on shanks's pony.

A discovery walk, tailored for powered scooter and wheelchair users, is one of the more innovative "walks" to be offered at the festival in June.

The idea came from Alan Edwards, a Cradley member of the Disabled Ramblers, and a powered scooter user.

The Hereford Discovery Walk is a follow-on from a similar walk arranged for last year's festival by the Hereford Access Group.

But this year's route is bigger and better and is specifically designed to take in many of the city's tourist attractions.

Alan Edwards said: "During 2003, the European Year of Disabled People, individuals with mobility problems and other disabilities can and should be able to decide where they are able to go."

The three-mile tour will wend its way through Hereford, along the banks of the Wye with visits to Hereford Cathedral, the Cider Museum, Left Bank Village and the Courtyard centre.

Alan added: "The tour will provide an opportunity to enjoy the many attractions that Hereford has to offer, and should result in an enjoyable experience for those taking part."

The tour is suitable for powered scooters, buggies, and manual wheelchair users, although the latter may need to be accompanied by an able-bodied friend.

The nine-day festival from June 14 to June 22 includes almost 60 walks with an emphasis this year on the county's wealth of sumptuous food and drink.

Half of the walks incorporate a gastronomic theme and many take in some of county's most beautiful attractions along with the chance to go off the "beaten-track" and discover little known gems.

The wheelchair Discovery Walk is on June 20 from 11am to 2.30pm.

Entry is free but places are limited and should be booked in advance through the Festival Booking Office at Queenswood TIC, telephone 01568 797842.