A University of Worcester Lecturer is giving people the chance to walk in the footsteps of two of the regions most celebrated writers as part of Ledbury Poetry Festival.
Journalism Lecturer Dan Johnson will guide walkers on paths exploring the life and work of John Masefield on Tuesday 30 June, and Elizabeth Barrett-Browning on Wednesday 1 July.
Dan said: “It’s really about bringing together my love of walking, storytelling and literature, and finding that other people enjoy experiencing it that way too.”
He continued: “With a guided walk, you’re not just looking at a landscape, you’re following in the footsteps of the poets and seeing how those places inspired their work.”
Dan added: “I want people to learn about these local heroes while enjoying a great walk. It’s something that feels social, engaging, and a bit different to a traditional talk.”
The University of Worcester has a long-standing relationship with Ledbury Poetry Festival, with students gaining valuable experience each year by undertaking internships with the production team.
Dan Johnson regularly leads similar literary walks on the Malvern Hills examining authors JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis’ links to the region.
He said: “John Masefield was the Poet Laureate, and for a time he was the most well-known poet in the country. He was so inspired by the landscape and wrote poems about places like Eastnor and Tewkesbury Road.”
“Elizabeth Barrett-Browning was probably one of the first famous female poets,” he continued. “She was a real trailblazer for women within poetry, and she wrote so many beautiful poems.”
Dan added: “I want people to learn about these local heroes while enjoying a great walk, and to be part of the Ledbury Poetry Festival is a real privilege, it’s such an iconic event.”
Tickets must be booked in advance and are selling fast.
Book your places on the Ledbury Poetry Festival website or follow these links.
The John Masefield Poetry Path (5 miles) Tuesday 30 June departing from Market House, Ledbury at 12pm.
The Elizabeth Barrett-Browning Poetry Path (6 miles) Wednesday 1 July departing from Markey House, Ledbury at 12pm.
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk