STEPPING out at Bolton Festival is easy to this year with five accompanied walks planned by the organisers.

The series of rambles and walks offers the chance to get away from it all, combined with some exercise and an interesting theme.

Tomorrow sees the first walk, with a 90-minute Forgotten Village Walk which begins at 2pm. The walk goes around Barrow Bridge and will be led by Clive Walsh from the Halliwell Local History Society. To book phone 01204 597644.

The Bill Naughton Walk on Tuesday, August 28, combines exercise with literature. Setting off at 6.30pm, the walk will be led by Ken Beavers of Bolton Library Services and will visit places associated with the author.

Sites will include his former home and other major landmarks which are described in his autobiographical works and short stories. The event will last two hours and includes refreshments at the end. To book, call Ken on 332340.

An evening ramble on Wednesday, August 29, invites participants to join the ranger for a stroll around Smithills Country Park, off Smithills Deane Road. The walk begins at 7pm and should last 90 minutes. Anyone interested can meet at Smithills Hall. Strong footwear is recommended. On the same evening Steve Garland, chief museum officer, leads a Bat Walk at Hall i' th' Wood, starting 7.30pm. To book, phone 332193.

Smithills Tramway and Bleachworks Walk takes place on Thursday, August 30, from 7pm. This 90-minute walk will be led by Cliff Stockton of Halliwell Local History Society. It will start at the top of Halliwell Road. Suitable footwear must be worn and this walk is not suitable for the elderly or infirm. To book, call 597644.