Walking Festivals : Walkers accommodation in Bunkhouses and Hostels
Independent Hostels UK is working with walking festivals in England, Scotland and Wales to encourage walking, fresh air and friendship. Read on to find ideal walkers accommodation close to these festivals.
Walking festivals in England, Scotland and Wales in 2022
All the festivals below have been hand-picked as there are Independent Hostels and Bunkhouses in the area. These self catering hostels and bunkhouses offer great value accommodation for those who want to stay for a day or more and make the most of these wonderful walking events.
Ulversten Walk Fest
March
5th-13th March Crickhowell Walking Festival
The Crickhowell Walking Festival has an exciting programme of 86 walks at all levels and difficulty which take you through some magical walking areas of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Crickhowell and here is Crickhowell Walking Festival’s own website.
April
2oth-24th April Chepstow Walking Festival, Monmouthshire
Join this popular walking festival which is firmly placed on the walkers’ map. A programme of walks between 2 – 13 miles for all abilities led by experienced walk leaders showcasing the rich heritage of the Lower Wye Valley and its stunning landscape across the borders of England and Wales. On the 24th the Walking Festival is joining forces with the South Wales LDWA who are running their Offa’s Twisted Wye Kanter from Chepstow. This offers a selection of 4 self guided walks ranging from 12 – 22 miles. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Chepstow and the full programme and how to book online can be found at Chepstow Walking Festival’s own website . Tickets for the Offa’s Twisted Wye Kanter must be booked separately from https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=9088
22nd-24th April Kington Spring Walking Weekend, Herefordshire
Kington is an historic drovers town and a renowned centre for walking with more long-distance paths converging on the town than almost anywhere else in the UK. The Kington Walks Spring Weekend is the first of our two annual walking festivals held in the glorious Herefordshire and Welsh border hills and countryside. The 14 walks are all led by experienced walk leaders who have a wealth of local knowledge. Many walks focus on a particular specialist subject and vary in length from 2 to 15 miles with a wide range of heights to climb and descend. This will be our third Spring Weekend and will include a Friday evening walk to the pub for a meal, walks on topics such as history and archaeology, an expert led dawn bird walk, a led tour of Hergest Croft Gardens, a walk covering ancient trees and trackway and with a few pubs along the way. There will be a quiz night on the Saturday evening. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Kington and here is Kington Walking Festival’s own website.
23rd April – 2nd May Haltwhistle Walking Festival, Northumberland.
After two fallow years, the Haltwhistle Walking Festival Committee is – with fingers crossed – planning for the 2022 Festival. 2022 is a special year for Hadrian’s Wall, as it will mark the 1900th Anniversary of its completion. A number of wall-related events will be taking place during the year, and some of the walks will reflect this. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Haltwhistle and here is Haltwhistle Walking Festival’s own website.
29th April – 1st May Galashiels Walking Weekend, Scottish Borders
There is a choice of two walks of differing degrees of diffiulty on each day of the Spring Festival. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Galashiels and here is Galashiels Walking Weekend’s own website.
30th April -8th May Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival, Shropshire.
30th April – 5 June Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival
There are over 200 events and activities taking place during the Festival, across a multitude of locations. So, come and discover some of the many activities that help make the Wolds such a wonderful place to be; from cycling, fishing, golf, water sports and high ropes to navigation, dancing, crafting, gliding and much, much more!! Accommodation can be found at The Viking Centre and here is Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival’s own website.
May
1st -31st May Farnham Walking Festival, Surrey/Hants.
Discover new parts of Farnham during this year’s Walking Festival. The selection of self-led walks have been suggested by Farnham people. The walks vary in length and difficulty. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Farnham.
2nd May Bingley Walking Festival, Yorks
We are offering a choice of 4 walks all designed and led by our experienced walk leaders. Each walk has something different to offer to walkers of all abilities, ages and experience. It is a real chance to see some of Bingley and the surrounding district’s most stunning sights and landmarks. New this year: we have a Nordic Walk Taster Session. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Bingley and here is Bingley Walking Festival’s own website
6th-9th May Kendal Walking Festival, Cumbria.
Kendal is set to host it’s 5th walking festival. Surrounded by beautiful scenery it offers a wide variety of walking experiences. Kendal makes a superb base for those who enjoy walking and the festival has something for everyone regardless of his or her walking abilities. All walks are free in 2022, but if you appreciate the walk a donation would be welcome – the walk leaders will collect donations at the end of the walk. All donations will go towards the funding of the festival. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Kendal and here is Kendal Walking Festival’s own website.
7-15th May Coleford Area Walking Festival, Glos.
Returning with the popular 9 day festival in 2022 this event will showcase walks in and around Coleford in the beautiful Forest of Dean area of Gloucestershire. Coleford’s walking festival features 23 walks to suit an audience of all ages and physical abilities. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Coleford and here is Coleford Area Walking Festival’s own website.
13th -15th May Whitchurch Walking Festival, Shropshire.
Three days of varied walks and other activities have been organised in and around Whitchurch, a Walkers are Welcome town. All walks must be booked in advance before 11th May. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Whitchurch and here is Whitchurch Walking Festival’s own website.
20th-22nd May Trefriw Walking Festival, Conwy.
Trefriw lies on the edge of the beautiful Snowdonia National Park, and its Walking Festival, now is now in its 8th year, has in that time become Snowdonia’s most popular walking event. Each year there are over 20 walks, spread over the long weekend and offering plenty of variety, with something for everyone. A not-for-profit event, it is run entirely by volunteers. The comprehensive website will tell you all you need to know. Have a look too at the gallery and feedback page – a warm welcome and good company are guaranteed. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Trefriw and here is Trefriw’s own website.
27th-30th May Crieff & Strathearn Drovers Tryst Walking Festival, Perthshire.
This 4-day festival takes place over the Bank Holiday. There should be 5 x walks per day offering a choice of levels to suit everyone, including families. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Crieff and Strathearn and here is Crieff and Strathearn Drovers Tryst Walking Festival’s own website.
28th May-5th June Malvern Walking Festival
With over 70 walks available across the 9 days, Malvern Walking Festival has something for everyone. There are multi-day walks, all day walks and shorter half-day jaunts. Many are themed, covering heritage, farming, music in general and Elgar in particular, history and art, geology, nature, trees and gardens. Plus a couple of walks dedicated to beer and breweries! Each walk is graded from Gentle to Strenuous so no-one need let themselves in for more (or less) than they can handle. The two most strenuous walks will be the popular 19-mile Malvern Hills End-to-End and Back, and the 31-mile Worcestershire Way in a Day. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Malvern and here is Malvern Walking Festival’s own website.
June
8th-12th June The Quantock Hills Walking Festival, Somerset.
This year the walks will be over five days with a four-day challenge walk circumnavigating the hills. There are some new and exciting walks on offer, as well as welcoming back some familiar walks leaders with new routes. Walks include a fossil walk along the coastal foreshore, a Tramper ramble in the forest, and walks along the Castle and Coast Way. There will also be a family treasure hunt again around the village with a small prize. As usual weekend walks will be followed by delicious tea and cake in Nether Stowey. Places are limited so make your booking today! Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near the Quantock Hills. Check out Quantock Walking Festival’s own website for more details and book your tickets here.
10th-18th June The Annual South Downs Way Walk , East Sussex/Hampshire.
This will be the 42nd year of this nine day supported walk along the full 100 miles of the South Downs Way National Trail. The walk follows the ridge of these gentle chalk hills from the iconic white cliffs of Beachy Head to the medieval cathedral at Winchester. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation in the South Downs and here is The Annual South Downs Way Walk’s own website.
17th -27th June Moray Walking and Outdoor Festival, Morayshire
After running two mini festivals last year, The Moray Way Association is excited to announce it is planning a full blown walking and outdoor festival this year. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Moray and here is Moray Walking and Outdoor Festival’s own website.
24th-26th June Snowdonia Challenge.
This unique 100km walking challenge is attracting walkers from across the world. Held in Betws-y-Coed, North Wales, the perfect base to explore some of the less visited parts of Snowdonia with some of the best views the national park has to offer. Not just your average walking challenge, Snowdonia Challenge is the only event of its kind in the UK! Not for the faint hearted, to take on the full three day challenge you will need commitment and determination to prepare for and complete this event. It is a test of mental and physical resilience and team work and will take you on a journey of self-discovery. It is inspired by multi-day challenges used as military training events in Europe. This is not just about challenging yourself though. Taking part in the Snowdonia Challenge you will be part of an amazing adventure where you will make new friends and explore parts of Snowdonia you’ve never been before. Full event – 3 day walking event – 100km over 3 days. Or if you’d like to be a part of it but can’t commit to the full 3 days then join us for 1 or 2 days. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation in and around Snowdonia and here is Snowdonia Challenge’s own website.
25th June-3rd July Otley Walking Festival, West Yorkshire
With around 45 walks and events over the nine days of Otley Walking Festival, there really is something for everyone. Catering for all abilities – shorter town-based walks, meadows and field paths, strenuous moor land hikes, entertaining evening events, including old favourites and new themed walks. Otley Walking Festival showcases our historic market town and the wonderful variety of Wharfedale countryside we are so fortunate to have on our doorstep. You can be sure of a warm welcome from our walk leaders and the chance to meet friendly folk. Some walks will require booking – check the programme carefully as turning up on spec will not be possible for all walks. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Otley and here is Otley Walking Festival’s own website.
July
August
27 Aug-4 Sept Dartmoor Walking Festival, Devon
There’s an exciting programme of walks for this year’s festival. Each day you’ll find a choice of walks, including accessible ones. There’s nordic walking taster walks, visits to sites of architectural, medieval and mythical interest. And for the brave ones among you there’s even a walk with an optional dip in some waterfall pools. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation in Dartmoor National Park and here is Dartmoor Walking Festival’s own website.
September
2nd-4th Sept Corwen Walking Festival, Denbighshire
You will be treated to three of wonderful walking in and around the town of Corwen in the magnificent and majestic Dee Valley. There will be some evening walks, navigation training and evening entertainment. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Corwen and here is Corwen Walking Festival’s own website.
3rd-11th Sept Gower Walking Festival, West Glams.
For 9 days in September, there will be a fantastic variety of walks for all. Currently in the initial planning stages, the programme of great walks will be launched early June 2022 when the walks will be available to book via the festival’s own website. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation on and around the Gower Peninsular and here is Gower Walking Festival’s own website.
4th-10th Sept Scottish Borders Walking Festival
The festival offers walks of all sizes and levels through some amazing scenery. Each walk is lead by a passionate leader. There are social events arranged during the festival. Everyone is welcome. Accomodation can be found at Kirk Yetholm Friends of Nature House and here is the Scottish Borders Walking Festival’s own website.
11th-26th Sept Autumn Footprints, Derbyshire
The Autumn Footprints Festival offers a great choice of 29 guided walks from 11th – 26th September 2021. Sixteen days of enjoyable walks and informative talks with something for everybody of all abilities. Set in picturesque Derbyshire, the festival takes place in an area known for its natural beauty and superb scenery. Popular with both novice and experience walkers wanting to enjoy the beautiful colours of autumn and the area’s fabulous views, undulating countryside, industrial heritage and attractive towns and villages. Led by knowledgeable local volunteers and staff keen to show off their patch, you will discover a wide variety of walks to explore local heritage, natural history and wildlife. The routes take in walks alongside rivers and canals, as well as through open countryside, towns and villages. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation in Derbyshire and here is Autumn Footprints’ own website.
12th-18th Sept Wellington Walking Festival, Shropshire
A varied programme of walking including themed walks with leaders who are experts in their fields and . Walk lengths will vary between 1 mile and about 15 miles and all walk are free. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Wellington and here is Wellington Walking Festival’s own website.
15th-18th Sept Kington Walking Festival, Herefordshire
The annual festival has over 35 walks across the 4 days and the programme will be as varied as ever, featuring a variety of lengths and difficulty and, as well the great border countryside and views, will cover subjects such as geology, history, archaeology, flora and cider making. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Kington and here is Kington Walking Festival’s own website.
17th-25th Sept Richmond Walking and Book Festival, North Yorkshire
Boots and books, walks and words… Come and join our unique festival with nine days of guided walks in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales plus a programme of town walks and book events in the original Richmond in Yorkshire. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Richmond and here is Richmond Walking and Book Festival’s own website.
23rd-25th Sept Llandysul and Pont-Tyweli Walking Weekend
The Llandysul and Pont-Tyweli Walking Weekend has a programme of walks, all for moderate level walkers.Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near LLandysul here is Llandysul and Pont-Tyweli Walking Weekend’s own website.
23rd-25th Sept Ross on Wye Walking Festival, Herefordshire
Ross-on-Wye Walking Festival offers a wonderful opportunity to explore some of the incredible countryside of South Herefordshire, offering dramatic gorges, rolling hillsides, spectacular views, meandering rivers, ancient forests and parkland. All walks will be led by experts who will give an informative commentary along the way. It’s a recipe for a great weekend, in a great place, with great people. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Ross on Wye and here is Ross on Wye Walking Festival’s own website.
Waiting for updates Ulverston Walk Fest, Cumbria.
The Ulverston WalkFest has a programme of volunteer led walks over 10 days, exploring many areas of this beautiful South Lakes region. Ulverston itself is a pretty market town with many festivals and events throughout the year, and many pubs and restaurants. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Ulverston and here is Ulverston Walk Fest’s own website.
Waiting for Updates Hay Walking Festival, Powys
The Hay on Wye Walking Festival is a celebration of two-footed fun in and around the beautiful border town of Hay on Wye. We warmly invite you to join us to enjoy our lush countryside, stunning hills and to step into our beautiful town of independent shops, a proudly chain-store free destination. Our walks programme, will be broad ranging in terms of geography and interest. There is something for all abilities and interests – all day in the hills, town walks, historical walks, a chance to learn from experts and exclusive access to paths and sites not normally open to the public. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Hay and here is Hay Walking Festival’s own website.
Cancelled in 2022 Ride2stride Music and Walking Festival on the Settle to Carlisle Line, North Yorkshire/Cumbria.
Look out for the dates in 2023. The Yorkshire Dales Ride2Stride is a week long festival of walks talks and music along the scenic Settle to Carlisle railway line. All the free guided walks start from a station and finish at a station where the local pub will be buzzing with live music. The talks will enhance your knowledge of the local area. This is a festival for everyone with four or five walks every day, graded strenuous, moderate and easy. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near the Settle to Carlisle line and here is Ride2stride Music and Walking Festival’s own website.
Waiting for Updates Barmouth Walking Festival, Gwynedd
Set in the dramatic beauty of coastal Snowdonia, Barmouth sits on the Northern side of the stunning Mawddach Estuary, sheltered by the Cader Idris Range to the south and the Rhinog Mountains to the north. The Walking Festival has been developed with the aim of encouraging visitors to explore these magnificent surroundings on foot –in the company of keen, experienced and knowledgeable local guides. Historians and naturalists lead some walks and expert advice has been taken to ensure a safe, interesting and varied programme. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Barmouth and here is Barmouth Walking Festival’s own website.
Waiting for updates Guildford Walkfest, Surrey
Guildford Walkfest is a series of organised walks designed to encourage people of all ages to get out and enjoy our wonderful town and beautiful countryside in and around Guildford. With more than 70 guided walks on the programme there is certain to be something to suit everyone regardless of age, ability or experience and as every year, all the walks are guided, free, and everybody is welcome to join in. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Guildford and here is Guildford Walkfest’s own website.
Waiting for Updates Much Wenlock Walking Festival, Shropshire
Walkers of all ability are invited to the annual Walking Festival at Shropshire’s picturesque Much Wenlock. The walks are of various lengths and difficulty, in and around the town and local countryside, and are led by experienced walk leaders. All walks are free. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Much Wenlock and here is Much Wenlock’s own website.