Walking Festivals - 2008

Why not consider visiting a Walking Festival this year? They provide lots of opportunities to meet new friends, undertake sponsored walks, learn more about the countryside and flora and fauna, join in social events and informative talks and generally enjoy yourself. Festivals are also a great way to introduce the kids to walking as most have family walks designed for children. Even if you usually walk only as a family unit or by yourself, its rewarding to occasionally share your walking experience with others who enjoy the countryside. If you are new to country walking, unsure about where to go, or need an incentive to get your boots on, then a Festival might be the answer to get you started.

Guided Walks and Other Walking Events

South Pennine Challenge
Walking Events in Derbyshire
What's on in and around the Staffordshire Moorlands
Countryside Walks in Worcestershire
Wildlife Walks in Croydon
Redcar and Cleveland Womens Walking Network
Guided Walks in County Durham
Walking Events on the Island of Jersey

Crickhowell Walking Festival - 1st - 2nd March 2008

St David's Weekend festival followed by a further week of great walks for all abilities and all the family.

Come to glorious Crickhowell for a full week of fantastic walks designed for all ages and abilities. There are historical and general interest walks, walks for children, toddlers and those with access difficulties to complement the walks for the fit and adventurous. Crickhowell is situated just west of Abergavenny and about 1 hour drive from the Severn Bridge on the M4 or 2 hours from Birmingham. There are plenty of places to stay ranging from bunk houses, B&B's and first class hotels. The area is also well served for eating out with many pubs providing food and, in addition, superb restaurants.

The walks are supported by an exciting programme of events. These include a St David's Day barn dance with Bandomania and a Welsh hog roast; adventure days for kids provided by the RAF at a local MOD establishement designed to keep 6 to 16 year olds entertained; a new series of local Geocaches - a country wide treasure hunt with just grid references to go by. Some of the walks are preceded by a talk the previous evening.

Information and Booking Details: For full details of this event including booking arrangements visit www.crickhowellfestival.com

Ulverston Walking Festival - Late April or early May 2008

This well established annual festival provides an opportunity to explore some of the southern Lakeland fringes stunning scenery in the company of guides with expert local knowledge. Some highlights of the 2007 festival programme were:
East of Coniston Water. Walk to Parkamoor and Brantwood. 10miles 5 hours
Kirkby Moor. Picnic at stone circle. 8miles 5 hours
Dunnerdale Horseshoe and Stickle Pike 8 miles 4 hours
Cistercian Way. Lunch at General Burgoyne pub in Urswick. 7 miles 4 hours
History around Birkrigg Common. Visiting ancient sites. 4 miles 3 hours
Kents Bank Circular 6 miles 3 hours
Broughton to Ulverston via real ales and lunch at the Ship. 9 miles 5 hours.

Information: To obtain a festival brochure and obtain further booking information telephone Ulverston TIC (01229) 587120 or contact The Walkers' Hostel on (01229) 585588. Alternatively email Jean Povey at povey@walkershostel.freeserve.co.uk Full details of the 2007 programme are now available. The Festival is supported by Ulverston Town Council and Lanternhouse International and has been organised by a group of volunteers co-ordinated by Jean Povey at the Walkers' Hostel.

Walk Scilly 2008 Festival - Late March early April 2008

Celebrate the beauty of the Isles of Scilly at this exciting week-long festival of walking, Walk Scilly 08 . The Islands are an ideal place for walking and island-hopping. A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this stunning and historic archipelago offers miles upon miles of protected inland and coastal paths just waiting to be explored.

During the 2007 festival a variety of local experts led 16 walks, on topics such as archaeology, the narcissi flower industry, churches and coves, birdwatching and gardens, castles and cliffs, beaches and birds, bats and boats. The event culminated in a charity walk around the main island of St Mary's, led by a well known personality and involving as many visitors and islanders as possible.

Information and Booking Details: Find out more by phoning the Isles of Scilly Tourist Information Centre on 01720 422536 or email tic@scilly.gov.uk. Alternatively please visit www.walkscilly.co.uk

The very first South and Heart of Suffolk Walking Festival will be taking place this year between 10th & 26th May. This new and exciting Festival will give visitors and local people alike the chance to explore the Suffolk countryside with the aid of local guides, historians and naturalists.

The programme is packed with over 40 walks - in a variety of locations, to suit all tastes and capabilities. They include a country ramble along the former towpath of the River Gipping between Needham Market and Ipswich, a medieval meander through the historic wool towns of Lavenham and Long Melford and a walk that visits a wooden 'henge' and takes in a scarecrow trail. Many of the walks include a stop off at a Suffolk country pub for lunch or an historic house for afternoon tea.

The Festival will appeal to many who wish to visit this lovely part of the County and enjoy its beauty, as author of 'A Suffolk Summer' John Appleby did when he wrote: "The English Landscape at its subtlest and loveliest is to be seen in the county of Suffolk".

Information and booking details: Further information on all the walks can be found at www.southandheartofsuffolk.org.uk or by calling the Mid Suffolk Tourist Information Centre on 01449 676800 for a free, colour copy of the Festival Brochure.

16 days of great walking in the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and surrounding countryside.

The Lincolnshire Wolds is a nationally important and cherished landscape, with rolling hills, deep-sided valleys, picture postcard villages and friendly market towns. The Festival offers over 50 walks - some guided, some led - but each providing the perfect opportunity to explore this enchanting countryside.

The programme has been put together to ensure there are walks suitable for everyone, from short level routes accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs to longer more challenging routes for the experienced rambler. Most of the walks are free and all provide a great opportunity to discover this area in the best possible way - on foot!

Information and booking details: To find out more or to order a copy of the Walking Festival programme (available January 2008) contacting Louth Tourist Information Centre on (01507) 609289 or email louthinfo@e-lindsey.gov.uk Nearer the event information will be available at www.visitlincolnshire.com/walkingfestival

Welcome to one of North West England's best kept secrets - Garstang and District's beautiful countryside. The 2007 event offered a six day programme of walks and activities for all the family in Garstang's breathtaking countryside. Walks explored the hills of the Forest of Bowland, the bluebell woodlands and the Lancaster Canal. A warm welcome also awaits you in our hotels, cafes and pubs. Call to request your copy of the 2008 programme when it becomes available. This is an event designed to help you experience the best of springtime in North West Lancashire and Bowland. There is something for everyone from full day walks to easy one hour walks.

Information and booking details: To obtain a Festival brochure with the full programme of events and booking form call the Festival Office on 01995 602125 or email lcs@wyrebc.gov.uk

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, will be in it's tenth year in 2008, and is the largest such festival in the UK, featuring about 150 guided walks to suit all ages and abilities. Whether you are a seasoned rambler or a ,more leisurely walker, Walk Wight this Way and experience heritage walks, ghost walks, pub walks (hic), pram walks, a twilight walk, and a tea party walk.
The Isle of Wight certainly has beautiful countryside and has focused on creating an excellent infrastructure for walkers, making it extremely popular for walking holidays. There are over 500 miles of well-maintained and signposted footpaths and around 30 miles of Heritage Coastline, while more than half the island is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Information and booking details: Telephone (01983) 813818 for a programme booklet and to make bookings, or visit the website at www.islandbreaks.co.uk/walking Many of the walks are free, other have a small fee, or a donation request to the charity organising the walk.

Tales from a Little Rock - Come and discover the natural beauty of Jersey

Clear water and beaches surround some 45 miles of Jersey coastline - the island's greatest natural treasure. Sweeping bays in the south give way to dramatic cliffs in the north offering spectacular scenery and stunning vistas. Jersey's varied geography is ideal for walkers and can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities - whether you are a seasoned rambler who wishes to discover our island at a more energetic pace or you prefer to take in our natural treasures in a more sedate manner. In the company of some of the island's most respected and experienced ramblers and guides, Jersey Tourism welcomes you to another 'walking experience'. This series of FREE escorted walks, takes in coastal and countryside discoveries, walks that explore Jersey's heritage and social history as well as the ever popular and challenging 77.4 km/48.1 mile 'Around the Island' walk.

Information and booking details: The festival programme will be available from April 2007, enquiries may be made by telephoning Jersey Tourism on +44 (0)1534 500777 or visiting www.jersey.com/walking

See also Jersey Autumn Ambles festival in September

This annual festival will help you discover and enjoy the stunning landscape of this beautiful corner of the Peak District, with its dramatic rocks, wooded valleys, heather moorland, rivers and canals.

Information and booking details: Telephone Staffordshire Moorlands TIC (01538) 483741 or email tourism.services@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk

Full details of the walks programme nearer to the event is available at the SMDC website:
www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/tourism/guided-walks.html

Previous festivals have included walking the moors amongst the famous Roaches rocks; exploring the Dove Valley north of Hartington; a walk discovering industrial Heritage in the picturesque Churnet Valley; and a walk celebrating the work of the great canal engineer, James Brindley, which included a tour of the Brindley Mill in Leek.

Explore the beautiful countryside in this unspoilt corner of Derbyshire on a series of guided walks. There's something for everyone, whether you're looking for a gentle stroll in the evening or a challenging trek across the hills. Choose from town walks to ghost walks, country rambles to access for all trails and history and heritage hikes to wildlife wanders.

Information and booking details: For further information, or if you would like a leaflet on the Walk 2 Discover Festival (available from March 2008), please contact Chesterfield Tourist Information Centre, Rykneld Square, Chesterfield. S40 1SB Tel: 01246 345777/8, Fax: 01246 345770, Email: tourism@chesterfield.gov.uk Website: www.visitchesterfield.info All bookings to be made through the Tourist Information Centre, which can also provide details on places to stay in the area.

This Festival will let you explore the beauty and history of Warwickshire.

Discover, through the many walks being staged across the county, the beauty of fields, woodlands, rivers and canals. Discover the history of towns and villages.

Planned to provide opportunities for everyone to explore the Warwickshire countryside there will be walks for all ages and abilities, from gentle strolls to lengthy hikes, from health walks to historical study walks and from town walks to riverside walks.

Information and booking details: Request a festival guide by telephoning 01926 413419 or emailing paths@warwickshire.gov.uk Alternatively, the guide will be available to be viewed online at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/walkingfestival

Come and explore the beauty of the Gloucestershire countryside
Strolling in Gloucestershire 2008 is a walking festival which is now in its 6th year. Focusing on promoting a healthy lifestyle the festival provides short, led walks, around the glorious Gloucestershire countryside and also hopes to promote walking as a fun and enjoyable activity, which is suitable for any age. The festival also provides walkers with the opportunity to meet new people and discover the spectacular scenery of the rolling Gloucestershire countryside. All walks will be led by a trained walk leader and it is hoped that they will all be free of charge.
Information and booking details: To find out more about walks that are being held during the festival, please visit the festival website:www.strollinginglos.nhs.uk. Walk details will also be available from local libraries and tourist information centres. For more information please contact Rowena Adam rowena.adam@glos.nhs.uk or Fiona Eadie fiona.Eadie@glos.nhs.uk or telephone: 01452 429344.
Strolling in Gloucestershire 2006 is supported by the NHS and all Local Authorities in Gloucestershire.

This well established and popular festival allows you to experience the breathtaking scenery in the heart of the Shropshire Hills. Experienced walking guide's will point out features of interest in wildlife, scenery, history and illustrate the reasons why this is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Last year there are 9 walks to choose from over the three days. There are only fifteen places available on each walk, so you will need to book early to get a place. The cost is £7.00 per day, or £18.00 for three days. There is also some fringe entertainment organised for the evenings.

Information and booking details: Telephone (01588) 638854 Contact: Gill Lucas The Porch House, High Street, Bishop's Castle, SY9 5BE. email: info@walkingfestival.co.uk The festival website is at www.walkingfestival.co.uk.

Bishop's Castle is 3 miles from the Welsh border. There is a bus service from Ludlow and Shrewsbury and a railway station at Craven Arms from where you can arrange to be collected.
The area can offer a challenge to walkers, so be prepared with strong footwear, warm clothing and waterproofs. This hilly area is famous for sheep and cattle farming, preventing the organisers from allowing dogs on the walks.
A wide variety of activities in both Bishop's Castle and the immediate areas will be held at the time of the walking festival. Further information on these can be obtained from the organisers.
Further information about Shropshire and Walking Guides for the area
More information about Bishop's Castle

Information and booking details: To obtain a festival programme or further information telephone the Festival Booking Office on (01568) 797842. You can also book online at the festival website at www.walkingfestival.com There is a charge for all walks which must be pre-booked.

This weekend festival gives you the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Redcar and Cleveland. The events cover a diverse area from the delights of Guisborough Forest and the Cleveland Hills to the cliff tops of the East Coastline and the valleys of East Cleveland. The festival offers something for everyone with a varied programme.
Information and booking details: Further details and an events programme and booking form will be available in late April. Contact 01642 776914 or visit the website www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/countryside
All the walks are free of charge and information on accommodation can be obtained from the Tourist Information Office 01642 471921

In recent years the walks have included: A walk through rolling pastures, ancient woodlands and over Langbaurgh Ridge finishing at the pub at Newton-under-Roseberry; A circular walk from Saltburn taking in Loftus, Liverton, Stanghow Moor, Guisborough Woods and Skelton; A circular walk along the Cleveland Way and the Cleveland Street Walk; and a linear walk taking in Slapewath, Guisborough Forest, Eston Moor, Errington Woods and Saltburn.

The well established Rotherham Walking Festival features a great range of guided walks plus special events, historical talks, brewery tours and other entertainment. Some examples of previous walks are:
A walk around the beautiful picturesque Norman village of Letwell
Kimberworth Hill, Constitution Hill, Barkers Park and the Trans Pennine Trail
Silverwood and the magnificent yet tranquil wooded valley of Ravenfield Park
Treeton's ancient woodland - Hail Mary Hill wood and Falconer wood
From Thorpe Hesley around the beautiful area of Scholes and Wentworth
Rotherham Ring route from Swinton to Wentworth
From Harthill village a walk over fields and through woods to Chesterfield Canal
Five Churches Walk - rural splendour on a trail through unspoilt villages
Information and booking details: To obtain the festival brochure and further information about the festival telephone (01709) 835904

In 2008 this event has been extend from 4 days to 9 – from Saturday 30th August to Sunday 7th September. There will be free guided walks every day to suit walkers of all abilities, ranging from easy canalside walks to hard excursions on open access land.

Guided Walks All our walks are free. There is a range of guided walks taking place on each day, from short strolls to long rambles. There's something for almost all walkers, whatever your interests and abilities! The shortest walks are designed to be easy and suitable for most people – whether you walk regularly or not. Some walks are of historical interest. Walks, of about four to eight miles, are normally at a pace of about 2 m.p.h., but the general guidance is that the longer the walk, the faster the pace. In this programme, each of the walks has been graded Easy, Moderate or Hard which you can use as an approximate guide. Walkers are asked to accept the pace set by the leader.

Information and booking details: Brochures will be available from late June – apply to tourism@pendle.gov.uk (or phone 01282 661981). Pictures from previous Festivals and the latest information on this years Festival can be found in the Festival section of www.walkingpendle.co.uk.

Escape life's hustle and bustle. Explore the unspoilt West Pennine Moors, wooded valleys, water and wildlife. Discover the birthplace of Blackburn's celebrity authors - Wainwright and William Woodruff.
The Weavers Way Festival provides free guided walks and events for all ages and abilities with distances from 1 to 12 miles. This nine day festival of 26 walks explores the beautiful countryside in East Lancashire around Blackburn and Darwen; from Witton Country Park in the north, to Turton Tower in the south, from Tockholes in the west, to Calf Hey Reservoir in the east. The festival will culminate in a sunset walk up to Jubilee Tower, with panoramic views of the Lancashire moors and coastline, then return for a traditional potato pie supper.

Information and booking details: For a free walking festival events diary either email your details to: countryside@blackburn.gov.uk, telephone the Countryside Services office 01254 691239, or vist www.blackburn.gov.uk

The Gorgeous Walks Festival is set in the Mendip Hills AONB and takes its theme from the spectacular Cheddar Gorge and the coombes and valleys of this beautiful limestone region.
Guided walks range from family walks to full day walks of between 14 and 25 miles, so this small friendly event has something for all abilities. A number of walks have special themes including archaeological walks and astronomy rambles.

Information and booking details: For further information and to obtain a leaflet and booking form contact David or Bryony Close at The Gorge Outdoors, Hanlith House, The Cliffs, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3QA UK Tel +44 (0)1934 742688 Fax +44(0)1934 741493 email walk@thegorgeoutdoors.co.uk Visit the website www.thegorgeoutdoors.co.uk

There is a charge of £3.00 per person per walk (children under 5 free) which will be collected by the walk leader on the day.

Come and discover the natural beauty of Jersey

Jersey Tourism invites you discover the magic of Jersey in autumn in the company of some of the Island's most experienced ramblers and registered Blue Badge Tourist Guides in a series of FREE escorted tours. Experience a unique 'Moon Walk' at very low tide or a visit to one of Jersey's dairy farms to get up close and personal with some of our beautiful Jersey cows! Meander along coastal paths with spectacular views of the other Channel Islands or wander through woodland to see red squirrels. Last year the challenge of the week was a spectacular 77.4 km/48.1 mile 'Around the Island' walk, tramping largely on coastal paths; a great way to discover Jersey's natural beauty. There is a great selection of walks to choose from during the week long festival. The Walking Week has been designed to appeal to walkers of all ages and abilities, be they seasoned ramblers or the more leisurely walker who would like to take in the heritage and natural beauty of Jersey in a series of escorted walks.

Information and booking details: The festival programme will be available from August 2007, enquiries may be made by telephoning Jersey Tourism on +44 (0)1534 500777 or visiting www.jersey.com/walking

Enjoy over 30 guided walks through Swaledale and Wensleydale, some on land rarely walked. Complete the Swaledale Chain, a series of five circular walks from Keld to Richmond. Discover the historic delights of Richmond with its Norman Castle, Georgian theatre, fast flowing river and spectacular setting.

Take the Wensleydale Railway or photograph the landscape with the help of a professional. Relax with concerts, talks and archive films. Sample local produce such as Richmond Ale, Swaledale cheese and Altberg boots

Information and booking details: To obtain the festival brochure and further information about the festival telephone Richmond TIC (01748) 850252. Full details of the event can be found at www.richmondwalking.com

The Derbyshire boroughs of Amber Valley and Erewash are packed with things to see and do. They are known for their natural beauty, particularly the superb scenery, industrial heritage and attractive towns and villages.
This will be the 5th year of this festival and there is normally a great choice of walks on offer, with lengths of between 1 and 15 miles in excellent walking country. Previous examples are walks which look at the natural history or local heritage of the area, walks alongside rivers and canals, and town and village walks. Additional events complement the walks, such as slide talks, map reading courses for beginners, treasure hunts, a family wayfaring competition and much more. So, there's something for everyone!
With experienced and knowledgeable guides who just want you to enjoy yourselves, you are guaranteed a pleasant experience in a sociable group of like-minded people. Most of the walks and activities are free. So, whether you like hikes through the countryside or short walks looking at wildlife - please join us! The Walking Festival is supported and organised by a partnership of organisations, groups and individuals.
Information and booking details: For further information and/or if you would like to receive an 'Autumn Footprints' events programme please contact: Walking Festival, Groundwork Derby & Derbyshire, The Bridge Centre, 43 Cromford Road, Langley Mill, Derbyshire, NG16 4EF
Telephone 01773 535232 or email: mwhite@groundwork.org.uk or visit: www.gdd.org.uk/health/walkfest.html where you can download or request a programme.
All bookings should be made through Ripley TIC : 01773 841488 who can also provide accommodation information.

Visit this Walking Festival and explore the beautiful Isle of Man with a great choice of 15 routes over three days. The Island will reward you with memories that will last a lifetime.

The festival is based at Port Erin and will explore the south west coast, perfect for spotting marine life and offering stunning panoramic views out to sea. Swathes of colourful wildflowers cling to the spectacular cliffs and there are fascinating historical sites to see, such as the megalithic burial site on Mull Hill with splendid views overlooking Port Erin. You have a choice of 5 walks of varying distance for each day. Full details of all the walks can be found on the Festival website where you can also find costs and details of walks and accommodation packages.

Information and booking details: To obtain a Festival brochure or to book Telephone 01624 661177 or book on-line at www.isleofmanwalking.com

This annual walking festival is now well established in its 4th year and the organisers are proud to bring to you another week of action packed Walking activities. This year the festival runs over the school October half term week with a variety of walks and activities across the borough. As in previous years the theme is 'Something for Everyone' with full and half day guided walks, park walks and walks for wheelchair users and those with visual impairment. For families there's a short Pied Piper walk, a kids lantern walk and, of course, children are welcome on the guided walks as long as they can cope with the distances covered. In Carlisle Park there is the Trim Trail and once again there will be the schools Orienteering Challenge Grand Final. For details of some of the longer walks planned for this years festival. Click here

Information and booking details: For further information visit www.castlemorpeth.gov.uk where you can download a programme and booking form. Alternatively contact Castle Morpeth Borough Council, 28 Bridge Street, Morpeth, NE61 1NL Telephone 01670 535000 email firstcall@castlemorpeth.gov.uk To join one or a selection of guided walks, simply follow the instructions on the booking form. Please note the last date for acceptance of pre-booked postal registration forms is Monday 15 October 2007. You will still be able to book by phone or in person right up until the day before the activity (excluding weekends). There will be limited spaces on the guided walks and some of the activities so it is advisable to book in advance to make sure of a place.

This is a recent festival promoted by Bradford, Calderdale, and Rochdale District Councils plus Lancashire County Council and will cover all the Bradford and Calderdale Districts in Yorkshire, plus the Pennine parts of eastern Lancashire and Rochdale District - straddling the Pennine watershed. the new Festival also has financial assistance from The Countryside Agency.
The Festival plans to offer well over 100 walks of various types and lengths spread across the Festival area. These will include everything from an hour's easy stroll near town, some fairly easy half-day walks, and right up through medium 7 to 10 mile walks, to 10 – 12 milers, and a few hard 14 mile+ walks.
This area now has around 20,000 hectares of new Access Land (mainly high moor) added to the extremely good rights of way network it already enjoyed and additional access facilities allowed by the two major water companies there. A walker's dreamscape !!

Information and booking details: A free programme leaflet will be available in early June from Hebden Bridge Tourist Information Centre, Butlers Wharf, New Road, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire HX7 8AF, phone 01422 843831, Email:hebdenbridge@ytbtic.co.uk, or from other TICs in the participating areas. This new event replaces the Calderdale Walking Festival, and is organised by Northern Access Consultants on behalf of the 4 authorities.

Pull on your walking boots and enjoy the beautiful countryside that West Sussex has to offer. There are usually several walks each day from which to choose, each led by local and knowledgeable guides - including representatives from the National Trust, the Sussex Downs Conservation Board and the Sussex Downsmen. The routes range in difficulty and length - some are half day and some full day. Featured points of interest on the walks have included Petworth Park, the Temple of the Winds - a favourite spot of Lord Tennyson - and a chance to walk sections of the new Serpent Trail. On all walks, your leader will point out features of interest which relate to the history, wildlife or architecture of the scenes you pass. Some walks will have a break for lunch, where you may have the opportunity to visit one of the local hostelries for a well-deserved snack. The event centres in Petworth, and all walkers will meet each day at Petworth House. From here, a free shuttle-bus has been arranged to transport you to the start of your chosen walk, and then back again at the end.

Information and booking details: For further information or to obtain a festival brochure telephone 01903 812727 or email walking.westsussex@westsussex.gov.uk or visit the website www.walkingwestsussex.co.uk
You have to book to participate in the walks and there is a charge of £7.50 for 1 walk, or £20.00 for unlimited walks. Your registration fee includes access on the day of your walk to Petworth House Pleasure Grounds and Servants' Quarters.