Walking Festivals : Walkers accommodation in Bunkhouses and Hostels

Walking festivals in England, Scotland and Wales in 2023

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

9th-17th March   2024          Crickhowell Walking Festival

The 16th Crickhowel Walking Festival Festival offers 81 walks in all, from 2 to 17 miles. The walks range from valley strolls to demanding all-day routes on the high tops. There are some new challenges mixed with old favourites and fresh special interest walks, along with workshops and evening events. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Crickhowell and here is Crickhowell Walking Festival’s own website.

April 

11th – 16th April      Chepstow Walking Festival, Monmouthshire 

Join this popular walking festival which is firmly placed on the walkers’ map.  With 36 walks of all shapes and sizes, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Once again the festival is partnering with South Wales Long Distance Walkers Association, who will be organising their ‘Offa’s Twisted Wye Kanter’ on Festival Sunday.  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. 

21st – 23rd April             Kington  Spring Walking Festival, Herefordshire

Kington Spring Walking Festival once again offers an ideal opportunity for all walkers to enjoy a programme of spectacular walking with sublime views, welcoming pubs, good food and the great company of fellow walkers.  Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Kington and here is Kington Walking Festival’s own website.

22nd April – 1st May                 Haltwhistle Walking Festival, Northumberland. 

This exciting 10 days walking festival has 3 levels of walks, including special interest walks.  The long-distance adventure for this year is St Oswald’s Way, but places are selling out fast.  Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Haltwhistle and here is Haltwhistle Walking Festival’s own website.

25th April – 1st 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 along the Settle to Carlisle line. New for this year will be walks from Skipton, the Gateway to the Dales and a chance to do the Six Peaks Trail for those who like a challenge. There will be walks to suit all levels of walkers.  There is no need to book.  Come along,  meet old friends and make new ones. 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.  

29th April – 7th May                Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival, Shropshire. 

May

Ist May               Bingley Walking Festival, Yorks

Awaiting information.  Go to the festival’s own website for the latest updates. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Bingley and here is Bingley Walking Festival’s own website.

5th – 9th May              Kendal Walking Festival, Cumbria.  

Kendal is set to host its 6th 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 2023,  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.

Awaiting Dates               Coleford Area Walking Festival, Glos.  

Awaiting information.  Go to the festival’s own website for the latest updates.  Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Coleford and here is Coleford Area Walking Festival’s own website.

12th – 15th May           Crieff & Strathearn Drovers Tryst Walking Festival, Perthshire.   

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.

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.

13th – 21st May                  Dorchester Walking Festival

There are 50 guided walks to choose from – a great mix of long and short walks and activities for all abilities and interests. Whether you are a keen hiker or prefer a gentle stroll, the programme will include something for everyone – for all ages, families and individuals alike.  The programme also includes many of the varied self-guided walks that can be enjoyed at your leisure, throughout the festival. Lengths of these vary from 2-mile trails around the town to more intrepid hikes, such as the 26-mile Cerne Valley walk and the 212-mile Hardy Way, to be done over many days.
Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Dorchester and here is Dorchester Walking Festival’s own website.

19th – 21st May             Trefriw Walking Festival, Conwy.

Trefriw lies on the edge of the beautiful Snowdonia National Park, and its Walking Festival is 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. 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.

19th – 21st May                Prestatyn & Clwydian Range Walking Festival 

There are 25 free guided walks for all ages and abilities plus a fantastic inter-active talk with authentically dressed Roman soldiers on Friday 19 May.  There’s lots on offer this year for all ages and abilities so please do take a look and ensure you book early to avoid disappointment. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Prestatyn and here is Prestatyn & Clwydian Range Walking Festival’s own website.

20th May – 11 June                Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival

The Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival takes place in and around the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Beauty. During the Outdoor Festival you can come and discover some of the many activities that help make the Wolds such a wonderful place to be for free or at a reduced cost; 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.

27th May – 4th June         Malvern Walking Festival

9 days of themed and guided walks on and around the Malvern Hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  With around 70 walks available across the 9 days, Malvern Walking Festival has something for everyone.  Each walk is graded from gentle to strenuous so no one need let themselves in for more (or less) than they can handle.  Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near Malvern  and here is Malvern Walking Festival’s own website.

June

8th – 11th June          The Quantock Hills Walking Festival, Somerset.

This year will be the fifth walking festival in and around the beautiful Quantock Hills. Once again the majority of the walks will be at the weekend, but we will also be featuring a challenge walk over the four days of the festival along the Coleridge Way.  Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near the Quantock Hills. Check out Quantock Walking Festival’s own website for more details..   

9th – 17th June               The Annual South Downs Way Walk , East Sussex/Hampshire. 

This is an annual, nine day walk along the full 100 mile length of the South Downs Way, one of England’s most popular national trails . For 42 consecutive years it has been enjoyed by hundreds of people from all over the world. Although there are experienced team members to walk with you, this is not a guided walk, and everyone is free to walk at their own pace each day. However, you can rest assured that there will always be knowledgeable people nearby to help you with directions, first aid or just a friendly smile.   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.

16th – 26th June              Moray Walking and Outdoor Festival, Morayshire

Awaiting information.  Go to the festival’s own website for the latest updates.  Accommodation can be found on our  map of accommodation near Moray and here is Moray Walking and Outdoor Festival’s own website.

Awaiting dates         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.

24th June – 2nd July    Otley Walking Festival, West Yorkshire

With around 40 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 moorland 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. A warm welcome from walk leaders, meeting friendly folk, enjoying the great outdoors – what’s not to like! 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

26th Aug  – 3rd Sept             Dartmoor Walking Festival, Devon

Awaiting information.  Go to the festival’s own website for the latest updates.  Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation in Dartmoor National Park and here is Dartmoor 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. There is 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. 

2nd – 3rd Sept     Corwen Walking Festival, Denbighshire

You will be treated to two days of wonderful walking in and around the town of Corwen in the magnificent and majestic Dee Valley. If you have attended before you will be pleased to see that many of the walks have been repeated including the main walks being the Berwyn Ridge, Norh Berwyn Way, Dee Valley Way, Moel Fferna and of course the mighty Caer Drewyn. In 2023 there will be the addition of a couple of walks in on the Arenig mountains.  Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near  Corwen and here is Corwen Walking Festival’s  own website.

2nd – 1oth Sept        Gower Walking Festival, West Glams.  

This year’s festival extends for 9 days with 33 glorious walks. At the heart of this year’s festival, is the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Wales Coastal Path (WCP). The first weekend offers the chance to walk the entire Gower section of the WCP, from Penclawdd to Mumbles (over forty miles), in two days. Over the course of the nine days, more than half of the walks will be on the coastal path. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation on and around  the Gower Peninsular and here is  Gower Walking Festival’s own website.

2nd – 9th 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.

Awaiting dates          Autumn Footprints, Derbyshire

11th – 17th Sept               Wellington Walking Festival, Shropshire 

A varied programme  of walking including  themed walks with leaders who are experts in their fields. 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.

23rd Sept – 1st October    Somerset & Exmoor Coast Festival 

A celebration of  this unique and diverse coastline, bringing together walking, music, the arts, food and flavours, performance and a host of activities that showcase this coast of surprises. It includes an 80 miles in 8 Days Challenge to walk the coast of Somerset as well as 13 festival organised walks, plus independently organised walks. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation in Somerset & Exmoor and here is Somerset & Exmoor Coast Festival’s  own website.

15th – 24th 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.

16th – 25th 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.

22nd – 24th Sept           Llandysul and Pont-Tyweli Walking Weekend

Awaiting information. Go to the festival’s own website for the latest updates. Accommodation can be found on our map of accommodation near LLandysul here is Llandysul and Pont-Tyweli Walking Weekend’s own website.

29th Sept – 1st Oct     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                  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.

Walkers accommodation near to walking festivals