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People of Worcestershire are being urged to unearth their summer clothing and head out into the Malvern Hills for the 2009 Malvern Walking Festival.

Running for nine days until June 7th, the festival will celebrate 75 years since the death of local English composer Edward Elgar.

"Why not walk the paths that Elgar walked and understand why he became so inspired?" suggest event organisers.

Some 36 guided walks will be on offer to people wishing to take part during the week and "enthusiastic leaders" will be on hand to "give you a wealth of information" throughout the rambles.

Different trails will offer a range of walks for families, "timid beginners" and the more experienced trekker.

A "flagship" walk for 2009 is offered to the most experienced walkers which will cover a 109-mile trail named Geopark Way - that begins in Brignorth and ends in Gloucester.

The Malvern Hills cover 4,500 acres of countryside and the eight-mile ridge of mini-mountain range contains some of the oldest rocks in Britain, according to the area's official website.

Men heading out in the footsteps of Elgar may wish to look at the Craghoppers outdoor crop trousers.