A pastime so simple, accessible and scenic really should be celebrated.
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The inaugural Festival of Short Walks next month will offer more than 30 guided and 40 self-guided strolls around Beechworth, Chiltern, Yackandandah, Rutherglen and surrounds.
Launched in Chiltern on Monday, the seven-day event is a partnership between Indigo Council, industry and the community.
Indigo tourism development officer, marketing and digital, Penelope McGufficke said the festival was believed to be an Australian first.
"We really looked at the best things that our region has to offer and a lot of it involves walking," she said.
The treks range in length from about 400 metres to 14 kilometres and will also link into the region's cultural, food and wine heritage.
Sites include Yackandandah Gorge, Lake Moodemere and Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park.
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"I think most people like to walk but aren't really aware of enhancing that experience, it's something that we take for granted," Miss McGufficke said.
"So we want to offer what people like doing, but give it that little bit extra and it's really the stories that our region offers that's unique within Victoria and Australia.
"We want people out there walking and sharing stories."
Eliza-Beth Brennan and Jenny McKenzie, of Holistic Soulscape, will lead a nature immersion and connection experience.
"The focus is less about destination walking and more about connecting with the environment and with yourself," Ms Brennan said.
"So it will be very slow, there might be times when you'll do the walking in silence, there will be time to sit and meditate and just notice what captures your eye and using mindfulness."
Ms Brennan said she was really excited by the festival concept.
"I think there are great walks here in our region," she said.
"It's a wonderful way for people to experience the environment and do something physically active with friends, but at their own pace."
Indigo mayor Bernard Gaffney, himself a keen walker, thought the new festival, October 14 to 20, would be "a real winner".
"All ages can do it," he said.
"I like walking through the bush, I think the peace and the wildlife you see is just wonderful."