With six walks and another two more combined with a sailing experience, the stunning Shotley Peninsula is once again playing a strong role in the Suffolk Walking Festival.

The Festival returns for its 13th instalment which looks to be the most exciting and inspired festival so far.

Launching at Clare County Park on Saturday May 9, the three-week festival offers more than120 engaging and entertaining walks and events – there really is something for everyone.

As well as previous favourites including the Arthur Ransome Trail, Bluebell Wander, and the Orwellian Adventure, there are plenty of new walks including "Castle on the Hill" celebrating Ed Sheeran's favourite castle; a fun photography scavenger hunt in Orford; and a spooky day head-hunting in Ipswich.

As the first group in Suffolk to gain the nationally accredited Walkers Are Welcome status, Shotley Open Spaces is playing a lead role in showcasing the trails and paths along the rivers Orwell and Stour, and exploring the woods and parks along the way.

"We are delighted to be directly involved in leading five walks and to be working with the Orwell Lady's Orwellian Adventure," said SOS chairman Gary Richens. "It is the fourth year SOS has been able to be part of the Suffolk Walking Festival and it complements perfectly with the national initiatives Walkers Are Welcome is all about.

"We welcome many walkers to the Shotley peninsula, therefore play an important part in the health and well-being of so many people.

"This festival, and all the other walks we do throughout the year, helps to support the economy on the peninsula and encourages us volunteers to ensure the public footpaths we ae allowed to manage are maintained to a high standard."

You don't have to be an avid walker to join the fun as walks range from short strolls and gentle rambles, right up to a 5-day hike. The longest walk of the festival is the Challenge Walk, which begins and ends in Newmarket, covering a 75-mile loop in the west of the county.

The Challenge Walk explores varying landscapes from forest to heath, rivers to rolling countryside - even Newmarket's famous gallops are included. With the walk being completed over 5 days, and a bus return each day, you can really take the time to get lost in the beauty of your surroundings.

This year also sees the return of the Festival Fringe, a series of events that get you close to nature in the very heart of Suffolk's countryside, you can experience forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku), landscape photography with professional landscape photographer Gill Moon, and a Campfire Make and Bake.

Councillor Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Rural Affairs, said: "The Suffolk Walking Festival has reached its thirteenth year and has become one of the longest running festivals of its kind in the UK. It is easy to see why so many people get involved in the festival – there is an incredible variety of walks and events.

"The festival also shows off some of Suffolk's most beautiful scenery which makes up part of the 3,500 miles of public rights of way in the county.

"It is an exciting way to keep active and meet others. I would encourage everyone to get out there and explore."

BBC Radio Suffolk's Lesley Dolphin, patron of the walking festival said: "I can remember when the event just covered a few walks in the heart of the county and now here it is, 13 years on, with over a hundred events happening right across Suffolk.

"I've done several in the past and found that they are a fantastic way to be nosy and learn more about the place we live. "Each walk is led by someone who knows loads about their area and you get to see details you'd miss if you just whizzed past in a car. I've heard nightingales and discovered bluebells as we've walked. Suffolk has so many hidden stories and this is a great way to learn more so it's perfect for locals and visitors alike. 

"Please tell your friends and family about it because there really is something for everyone – from the challenge walk to a walk with sheepdog or even some Forest Bathing."

Sally Owen, Brand Manager for Suffolk Secrets said: "As a family-owned local business and passionate ambassadors of the Suffolk countryside and coast, we're delighted to be sponsoring the Suffolk Walking Festival again this year.

"As well as attracting over 40% of tourists to the county during May, nearly half of whom stay here overnight, there's no better way to showcase, enjoy and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and unique landscapes of the county than walking through it."

Walks featuring the Shotley peninsula, which you will find in the guide or online by clicking the red button below, include:

• 42 – Arthur Ransome Walking Trail from Pin Mill to the Bristol Arms, Shotley Gate where a sumptuous fish and chip lunch awaits.

• 68 – Maritime Heritage Walk, popping into HMS Ganges Museum, Shotley church with its Commonwealth War Graves and Submariners memorial.

• 93 – A guided tour around the historic Ipswich docks before setting sail on the Thames barge Thistle to Pin Mill.

• 98 – Family friendly circular walk from Roya Harwich Yacht Club at Woolverstone, to explore Arthur Ransome's setting for 'We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea' and the option of visiting the 'Nancy Blackett' boat.

For full details, prices and to book tickets, click the red button below.