Independent Hostels UK is working with walking festivals in England, Scotland and Wales to encourage walking, fresh air and friendship.
Listed below are all the walking festivals that Independent Hostels UK are proud to be sponsoring.
From mid April until mid October there are walking festivals all over the UK. Each festival has a programme of led walks over a number of days. Your perfect opportunity to explore new areas and routes without the hassle of route planning and map reading. Many festivals offer a variety of walks of different lengths and difficulty so there is something for everybody. What’s more many of the festivals have also added other elements such as talks, music or special interest walks. Others are completely unique! Read the festival listing below carefully and you will discover why.
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.
To find out more have a good look through the listing of walking festivals below.
April
12-14 April Kington Walks Spring Festival, Herefordshire
Following the success of the 1st event last year, the 2nd Spring Weekend will have 14 varied walks for a range of abilities and including Nordic Walking and a creative walk. The event will also have a number of walks and events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Offa’s Dyke Association. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Kington and here is Kington Walks Spring Festival’s own website.
24-28 April Chepstow Walking Festival, Monmouthshire
Join this popular walking festival which is firmly placed on the walkers’ map. A programme of 35 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. Ticket price includes parking and transport where applicable. 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 from early February.
27 April- 6 May Ulverston Walk Fest, Cumbria
The 20th 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.
30th April – 6 May Ride2stride Music and Walking Festival on the Settle to Carlisle Line, North Yorkshire/Cumbria
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.
May
4th-6th May Llangollen Walking Festival, Denbighshire
Awaiting more details. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Llangollen and here is Llangollen Walking Festival’s own website.
10th-12th May Kendal Walking Festival, Cumbria
Kendal is set to host it’s third 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. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Kendal and here is Kendal Walking Festival’s own website.
18th May-2nd June Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival
This popular festival celebrates its 15th anniversary with an action packed programme of walks and outdoor activities for all, offering 16 days of walking and family fun in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Accommodation can be found at The Viking Centre and here is Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival’s own website.
June
1st-9th June Gower Walking Festival, West Glamorgan
7th-15th June The Annual South Downs Way Walk , East Sussex/Hampshire
This will be the 40th 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.
14th-23rd June Moray Walking and Outdoor Festival, Morayshire
Whether it’s a big challenge or a gentle amble, the Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival welcomes you. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Moray and here is Moray Walking and Outdoor Festival’s own website.
22nd-23rd June Quantock Walking Festival, Somerset
Stowey Walking, the Walkers are Welcome steering group for Nether Stowey and Over Stowey, are organising this walking festival in and around the Quantock Hills ANOB and West Somerset coast. Many of the walks will have a theme with local experts leading each walk. All walks will start and finish in the village of Nether Stowey, with the opportunity for tea and cake at the end of each walk. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near the Quantock Hills and here is Quantock Walking Festival’s own website.
22nd-30th June Otley Walking Festival, West Yorkshire
You will be sure of a warm welcome at the 19th Otley Walking Festival with 50 great walks in stunning Wharfedale . Warm welcome, good company, fantastic scenery. Variety of walks – short town-based walks, strenuous moorland hikes and everything in between, plus full evening events programme. Festival Highlight – An 8 mile walk incorporating a guided tour of Farnley Hall with its wonderful collection of unseen Turner water colours. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near the Otley and here is Otley Walking Festival’s own website.
28th-30th June Snowdonia Challenge.
Awaiting more details. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation in and around Snowdonia and here is Snowdonia Challenge’s own website.
August
24th Aug- 1st Sept Dartmoor Walking Festival, Devon
The Dartmoor National Park are fully supporting the week with ranger-led walks as well as archaeological visits and events. The aim is to have at least four events each day during the nine-day festival, so there really is something for everybody, with evening talks and walks included. The week is only limited by your imagination so come along and explore Dartmoor and find out more about this incredibly special place. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation in Dartmoor National Park and here is Dartmoor Walking Festival’s own website.
31st Aug-1st Sept Corwen Walking Festival, Denbighshire
Awaiting more details. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Corwen and here is Corwen Walking Festival’s own website.
September
1st-30th Sept 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.
7th- 22nd Sept South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival, Yorkshire/Lancashire
Enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the moorlands to the fascinating heritage of the industrial revolution. Join events for families, cyclists, horse riders and walkers as part of the South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival 2019. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation in and around the South Pennines and here is South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival’s own website.
14th-23rd Sept 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.
14th-29th Sept Autumn Footprints, Derbyshire
Awaiting more details. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation in Derbyshire and here is Autumn Footprints’ own website.
19th-22nd Sept Kington Walking Festival, Herefordshire
The 8th 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.
21st-22nd Sept Snowdonia 24
Awaiting more details. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation in and around Snowdonia and here is Snowdonia 24’s own website.
27th-29th 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. Add to this experienced leaders and specialists who will explain a range of really interesting features on these walks from local history, bird-spotting, lost castles, unusual churches, local conservation, steam trains, pre-Roman mining and industrial heritage, ancient caves and local geology formations. It’s a recipe for a great weekend, in a great place, with great people. Do come along… Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Ross on Wye and here is Ross on Wye Walking Festival’s own website.
28th Sept-6th Oct 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.
28 Sep – 27 Oct South Lincolnshire Walking Festival
The South Lincolnshire Walking Festival returns for its 5th year, offering walks for all ages and abilities on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Accommodation can be found at The Viking Centre and here is South Lincolnshire Walking Festival’s own website.
October
5th-12th Oct Crieff and Strathearn Drovers Tryst Walking Festival, Perthshire
The 18th anniversary of this very popular walking festival will include the usual mix of challenging walks, easier interest walks along with a full social programme in the evenings, all set in the stunning Perthshire autumnal scenery. 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.
10-13 Oct Hay Walking Festival, Powys
Awaiting more details. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Hay and here is Hay Walking Festival’s own website.