Are you a keen walker looking for new places to walk? Or perhaps you’re new to walking, and hope to pick up a few tips and ideas about fantastic places to walk. Then again, you might also be a solo walker looking for likeminded people to walk with. Whatever your reasons and aspirations for walking, a walking festival is a great destination.
Across the UK the number of walking festivals is on the up, and many festivals have seen fast growing numbers of walkers attending an ever-widening range of walks.
Why go to a walking festival?
Walking festivals offer the opportunity – among many other things – to:
- See a new part of the country
- Follow walking routes you may never have even thought about
- Push your walking ambitions a little further and a little higher
- Learn more about navigation
- Have the benefit of an experienced and knowledgeable guide
- Meet new people who also have an interest in walking
- Find out about the history, geology and wildlife during a walk
- Keep fit and active
The range of walking festivals
From small-scale walking festivals in out-of-the-way places to walking festivals with a wildlife, literary or history, to grand festivals that see return walkers year after year, there is a festival to suit all.
Join a walking festival this summer
Here we bring you a list of some of the walking festivals taking place this summer:
Llanelli Festival of Walks
Where: Carmarthenshire
When: June 1 to 4
What: 18 walks to suit all abilities. The festival, which is organised by the Llanelli Ramblers Group, aims to promote the many opportunities for walking in the region and the importance of protecting the countryside and footpaths near Llanelli.
See: www.llanelliramblers.org.uk
Wild Lochaber Festival
Where: Fort William, Scottish Highlands
When: June 1 to 9
What: This is where you’ll find Ben Nevis, which, as you’ll know, is the UK’s highest mountain; a designated Geopark and mile upon mile of fabulous landscapes. The Wild Lochaber Festival will be celebrating the scenery and wildlife of this area with guided wildlife tours, scenic walks and informative talks.
Anglesey Festival of Walks
Where: Anglesey, North Wales
When: June 2 to 17
What: The Anglesey Festival of Walks focuses on coastal walks in celebration of the launch of the Welsh Coast Path. There will also be lots on offer for families and school children.
See: www.angleseywalkingfestival.com
Stalham with Happing Festival
Where: Norfolk
June 2 to September 30
What: Eight “water to land” walks will make the most of the Norfolk Broads and coastline. There will be knowledgeable walk leaders offering historical info along the route.
See: www.stalhamwithhappingfestival.co.uk
Bishop's Castle Walking Festival
Where: Bishop's Castle, Shropshire
June 12 to 14
What: Explore the Shropshire Hills with a wide range of walks. You might even like to try some wild swimming at this event!
See: www.walkingfestival.co.uk
Herefordshire Walking Festival
Where: Herefordshire
When: 16 to 24
What: The 10th Herefordshire Walking Festival will include more than 40 guided walks of varying length, difficulty and theme.
Ramblers’ Summer Evening Walks Festival
Where: Nationwide
When: July 1 to 31
What: This is a new festival for 2012. Volunteers will organise short, easy and family-friendly walks that can be fitted in after work.
See: Group Walks Finder
Conwy Walking Week
Where: Conwy, North Wales
When: July 4 to 11
What: Expect a varied programme of walks from professional walk leaders. The festival will take in fabulous coastal scenery and the historic walled town of Conwy.
See: www.conwy.gov.uk
Blairgowrie and East Perthshire Walking Festival
Where: Perthshire, Scotland
When: Sept 13 to 16
What: Lots of A to B walks (transport included in walks) to make the most of the wonderful scenery. There will be seven new walks in 2012. All led by an experienced guide.
See: Blairgowrie Walking Festival








