This year’s hiking events include a variety of activities, such as vineyard walks, foraging expeditions, and coastal trails offering stunning vistas
Crickhowell Walking Festival in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) 9-17 March
Crickhowell, a charming town surrounded by the majestic khaki-purple hues of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons), hosts one of the earliest festivals of the year. This well-established walking festival features 81 different walks, ranging from two to 17 miles. Many of these walks are dog-friendly, and all are graded in terms of effort and difficulty. Options include an easy stroll along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal or a new hike through the western Fans (peaks) for 2024, offering spectacular views along the way. Accommodation is available at The Bear, a 500-year-old coaching inn at the top of Crickhowell’s picturesque High Street, with doubles starting from £142 including breakfast.
Walk Scilly 12-22 April
The Walk Scilly festival, which typically marks the beginning of the season on the Scilly Isles, brings together walking guides and local experts to showcase the archipelago’s rich history, wind-swept landscapes, and diverse wildlife. While the specific program has not yet been announced, past walks have included birding hikes, sea safaris, and walks across the wild, uninhabited islets as well as the five main islands. For accommodations, consider staying on St Mary’s, the largest of the islands, at The Atlantic. This lively pub is situated right by the water and offers comfortable rooms starting from £165 including breakfast.
Ulverston WalkFest, Lake District 27 April-6 May
Located at the summit of the Furness Peninsula, Ulverston provides convenient access to both Morecambe Bay and the Cumbrian fells. The WalkFest itinerary highlights the region’s diverse history, including slate mines, centuries-old mills, and lime kilns, as well as serene villages and historic castles. The festival also explores the rugged Cumbrian countryside, with hikes encompassing Windermere, Coniston, and Grizedale Forest. For accommodations, consider booking a room at the Bay Horse Hotel, offering delightful views of the River Leven estuary and comfortable double rooms starting from £100 including breakfast.
Ride2Stride, Settle-Carlisle 30 April-6 May
The festival, held annually for a week, celebrates the western Dales and Eden Valley. Its diverse range of walks start and finish at stations along the Settle-Carlisle line, renowned as one of the UK’s most stunning train routes. In 2024, the festival introduces Trail Tasters, providing the opportunity to experience portions of the area’s long-distance trails, along with popular annual walks, live music, and entertainment at local pubs. The Golden Lion in Settle offers an ideal accommodation option, featuring a cosy pub ambiance and exceptionally comfortable rooms starting from £120 including breakfast.
Isle of Wight Walking Festival 11-19 May and 5-13 October
In 2024, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary, offering walks in both spring and autumn along the island’s 500 miles of footpaths. The festival features walks highlighting various aspects of the island’s history, including Queen Victoria and Osborne House, as well as dinosaur-themed walks and early-morning hikes to experience the dawn chorus. Walks are categorized by pace and difficulty, with many providing opportunities to discover the island’s rare plant and animal species. For those looking to stay at the heart of the action, the Union Inn in Cowes offers a lively pub atmosphere with rooms starting from £80 including breakfast.
Ballater Walking Festival, Aberdeenshire 18-24 May
Ballater may not be as large as some festivals, but it offers three walks daily: one challenging, one moderate, and one easy. These walks take participants across Scotland’s towering munros and granite tors, providing a stunning immersion into the country’s dramatic scenery. Additionally, there are gentler walks that offer opportunities for bird- and wildlife-spotting, as well as the chance to meet local farmers and explore the region’s culinary delights. The Balmoral Arms, a charming and dog-friendly inn, offers stylish rooms starting from £133 including breakfast.
National Forest Walking Festival, east Midlands 18-30 May
Spanning 200 square miles of lush woodland in the heart of the Midlands, the National Forest is particularly enchanting in May, boasting carpets of bluebells and drifts of blossom. In 2024, the Walking Festival marks its 15th year, offering walks graded from easy to strenuous. The programme, now available for download, features over 90 walks, including history-themed hikes and opportunities to experience Nordic Walking and Forest Bathing. There are also “Bench to Bench” walks tailored for those with limited mobility. Dovecliff Hall, an elegant country house near Burton upon Trent, offers luxurious doubles starting from £120 including breakfast.
Moray Walking and Outdoor Festival 14-24 June
Ideal for those seeking diverse activities beyond walking, this 10-day festival offers a range of experiences from kayaking to bird-watching, skiff-rowing, and bushcraft. The walks vary from gentle seaside strolls to challenging hikes through the Cairngorms. Pre-booking is required for many events, which are graded in five levels of difficulty. The shortest walks and activities take about two hours, while the most challenging can span a full day. Treat yourself to a stay at Dowans, a luxurious country estate in Aberlour, with double rooms starting from £250 including breakfast.
Mid Devon Walking Festival 14-29 September
Mark your calendar for this exciting new festival in peaceful Mid Devon, set to buzz with walkers in September. The event will feature a variety of guided and self-guided walks, ranging from family-friendly trails to challenging hikes. In addition to walks, visitors can enjoy live music, food events, farmers’ markets, and vineyard strolls. Themed walks exploring the region’s flora, fauna, and history will also be available. For accommodation, consider the Hartnoll Hotel, nestled in beautiful countryside on the edge of the Exmoor valley, offering comfortable double rooms starting from £130 including breakfast.
Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival in Essex is scheduled for 27th September to 6th October
You can select either self-guided or expert-led walks along a 75-mile stretch of the Saltmarsh coast, delving into the region’s maritime history or discovering its diverse bird species. The website offers downloadable self-guided routes, or you can join guided walks that include visits to vineyards, nature reserves, and expansive skies along the shoreline, which also boasts rich wartime heritage. The Limes in Maldon is a stylish townhouse with a vibrant Italian restaurant, offering chic double rooms from £99 including breakfast.
