Walking Festivals - 2012

Why not consider visiting a Walking Festival in 2012? They provide lots of opportunities to meet other people who also love walking and to make new friends, undertake sponsored walks, learn more about the countryside and flora and fauna, join in social events and informative talks and generally have a good time. 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, it's 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 just the answer to get you started.

February 25th to March 4th 2012

Now in its fifth year, Crickhowell Walking Festival has established itself as one of the leading events in Wales, and aims to provide a wide range of walks for all ages, abilities and interests with a supporting programme of events for everyone. The core of the Festival is, of course, a range of guided walks in and around the Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Some are for the experienced hill walker, but there are easier ones as well. For people who would like to improve their confidence on the mountains there are workshops on map reading and navigation as well as opportunities to practice your skills under expert guidance in the open.

Each year the Festival has supported a national charity and this year it is the turn of the Alzheimer's Society. Takings from the St David's Day Concert, featuring local musicians and the Crickhowell Choral Society will contribute to the charity or you may want to take on a two day walking challenge covering the whole of the Black Mountains, whilst raising funds yourself. There will be a number of other fund raising events during the week.

The social side of life is not neglected at this eclectic Festival with a jazz concert/dance and a Twmpath (a Welsh Ceilidh) as well as a "Social Hub" each evening at a different local pub where you can meet fellow Festival-goers in a relaxed atmosphere with a drink and/or a meal. So, if you want to shake off those winter blues, get your boots cleaned up, find your waterproofs and book a few days stay in Crickhowell with a selection of walks and events to keep you busy!

Information and Booking Details:

Please visit www.crickhowellfestival.com

March 31st to April 7th 2012

This year will be 6th annual Isles of Scilly Walking Festival. It will continue to build on the success of the past 5 years by adding new walks and keeping many old favourites. The seven day festival sees a series of guided walks taking place across the islands.

Walk Scilly showcases the natural environment flora, fauna and archaeology. The festival is more intimate than others offering the visitor the opportunity to meet guides, locals and event organisers. Springtime is a fantastic time to visit the Isles of Scilly with hedgerows full of wild flowers, fields full of scented Narcissi and bracing beach walks.

Information and Booking Details:

visit the Festival website http://www.walkscilly.co.uk
Telephone: 07799 706573 or 01720 422603
email enquiries@walkscilly.co.uk

April 20th to April 22nd 2012

This year will be the Third Pickering Walking Festival and 12 guided walks have been arranged to provide a choice of distances and to explore some of the best local scenery and places of interest. Some of the walks include a journey on the North York Moors Steam Railway.

Pickering is a small market town in North Yorkshire situated on the very edge of the North York Moors National Park and has much to offer walkers. To the north of Pickering, the North York Moors National Park provides endless opportunities to explore this wonderful place. 50 kilometres of unbroken heather moorland stretch from the North Sea coast in the east, to Osmortherly in the west. Directly to the south lies the Vale of Pickering, a low lying, rural area served with a network of footpaths. Dalby Forest is a unique public forest to the east of Pickering, with a network of footpaths and sign-posted trails.

Information and Booking Details:

To book please contact: Tourist Information Centre, The Ropery, Pickering
Telephone 01751 473791
www.pickeringwaw.btck.co.uk

April 22nd to May 6th 2012

Enjoy the great outdoors at more than 130 themed walks and outdoor activities during the 2012 Peak District Walking & Outdoor Festival. Showcasing the very best of the Peak District, the Festival highlights the area's wealth of wonderful landscapes, from rare moorland habitats and scenic limestone dales to attractive towns and pretty villages.
Select a route to suit - from a leisurely stroll around town to a more challenging hike across open countryside - or opt for a specially-themed event to indulge your interest in subjects from history and heritage to wildlife.
These walks are geared to all ages, abilities and interests and are led by expert guides and local historians.

Information and Booking Details:

Please visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com

April 27th to May 6th 2012

This well established festival offers a wide selection of walks led by friendly and knowledgeable guides who make the walks come alive. Walks are graded for difficulty and the program provides something for everyone from families to serious hikers. The Festival is split into two locations, the first few days focusing on North Devon coastal area including the North Devon and Quantock Hills AONB and the later days exploring magnificent Exmoor. In 2012 the May Day Bank Holiday moves forwards to 7th May, so the Bank Holiday will be at the end of the festival instead of its normal start of the festival. This is to avoid clashing with other walking festivals.

Through difficulties with getting the necessary funding for the Spring Festival, there will be a delay in getting it published. Bryan Cath, the Walking Festival Coorinator says "I am planning on it being ready for early to mid February. I apologise for this, but it is simply a sign of the times and I am determined to get a reduced festival ready for Spring. Thank you for your patience and bearing with me".

Information and Booking Details:

Visit the Festival website www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk
Telephone: 01271 863001

April 28th to May 7th 2012

The Haltwhistle Spring Walking Festival is a well established event and as usual the organisers will be putting together an excellent programme offering a wide variety of walks in this lovely area. Haltwhistle lies between the most spectacular section of Hadrian's Wall in the Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines AONB, the beautiful South Tyne valley runs southwards up into the hills.

Information and booking details:

For further information and to book visit the festival website www.haltwhistlewalkingfestival.org

April 28th to May 6th 2012

The third Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival offers an exciting blend of special, and general interest walks. The beautiful Isle of Purbeck is a walker's paradise. From coast to country, the variety is unsurpassed. The coastal walking is spectacular. From a stroll along the beach in beautiful Victorian Swanage to a serious hike along the South West Coast Path, the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the coast is truly special. But the hinterland is extraordinary too - wonderful heathland, walking through designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, with the added attraction of sea glimpses wherever you turn. This tranquil area of Dorset is home to many rare species of birds, wildflowers, butterflies and reptiles. Walks take in the wildlife paradise of Durlston Country Park, heathland at Studland, limestone cliffs along the coast and the RSPB reserve at Arne.

Purbeck offers something for everyone and our walks have been designed to show as much of the area as possible. Some include a pub lunch in a typical Dorset village, others a ride home on the steam train and one even offers a coastal cruise with lunch. The area is steeped in history, the Civil War ruin of Corfe Castle, the evacuated village at Tyneham and, of course, the unique geology of the area.

Information and booking details:

Visit the festival website www.walkswanage.com
Telephone Swanage TIC 01929 422885

May 5th to May 7th 2012

The Corby Walking Festival is in its fourth year and celebrates the wealth of walking opportunities in and around the borough of Corby. The Festival is organised by a Working Group which is made up of a number of local and county organisations such as Corby Borough Council, Northamptonshire Ramblers, Northamptonshire County Council and East Carlton Health Walking Group.

A 3 day walking programme is offered with a variety of led walks to suit all interests and fitness abilities. Everyone can experience the enjoyment of walking with no charge, whether they live in the town or villages, courtesy of the Festival. Whether you're a complete walking novice, interested in local history, photography, wildlife, or just want to challenge yourself with one of the long distance routes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. On Saturday and Sunday the Festival will again include the complete 35 mile 'Around Corby' route, this year led by Barry O'Brien.

Information and booking details:

For further information and to book visit the festival website www.corbywalkingfestival.org.uk

May 5th to May 13th 2012

A choice of 44 various walks will be on offer during the Guernsey Festival Spring Walking Week, covering all aspects of Guernsey life. Take a short walk and learn about our town of St Peter Port or take a more serious coastal ramble. Whether it's a gentle stroll or a serious trek, there is no better way to discover beautiful Guernsey than on foot. All the walks are ked by expert guides and provide you with an excellent opportunity to keep fit in relaxed and beautiful settings whilst discovering Guernsey and its rich history.

Information and booking details:

For further information visit the sponser website:
www.healthspan.co.uk/walkingweek
Telephone: Guernsey TIC +44(0)1481 723552
www.visitguernsey.com

May 5th to May 20th 2012

The Isle of Wight is a walkers' paradise. Sea breezes, big skies, springy downland turf, timeless villages; these are just a few of the pleasures that await you when you take part in the Isle of Wight Walking Festival. Over half the Island is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with 60 miles of dramatic Heritage Coastline, unspoilt countryside and over 500 miles of well-maintained and signposted footpaths.

Now in its fourteenth year, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival promises 16 full days of activities, with over 300 walks to choose from. The Island has an acclaimed reputation as one of the best destinations in the UK for walking pursuits and there is something for all ages and abilities.

The Island has long been a source of inspiration to visitors. Follow in the footsteps of Victorian Poet Laureate, Alfred Lord Tennyson along part of the 12-mile Tennyson Trail at Freshwater Bay, or take a stroll in the enchanting gardens of Osborne House, Queen Victoria's much-loved residence at East Cowes.

Information and booking details:

Visit the festival website: www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

May 6th to May 12th 2012

The Thanet Festival provides a week of guided Town and Country walks. Enjoy springtime along the coast or in Thanet's countryside. Join experienced leaders to try new routes and discover hidden places in this island corner of East Kent.

The Thanet Walking Festival has been held for ten years and brings together in one week the most popular local walks, from the White Cliffs Ramblers Association regular walking programme and the special interest town walks provided by local civic and historical societies.

Information and booking details:

Visit the festival website www.thanetwalkingfestival.co.uk
Telephone 01843 846427
Email: enquiries@thanetwalkingfestival.co.uk

May 12th to May 20th 2012

Enjoy the Chesterfield area on foot by taking part in this 9 day Walking Festival. A varied programme of over 55 walks will be available to suit all tastes and abilities. Explore the beautiful bluebell woods as you walk through the Linacre Valley or take in some history as you walk from the famous Crooked Spire Church in Chesterfield out to the English Heritage owned property Bolsover Castle.
If you're looking for a challenge, try the Chesterfield Round Walk, a 34 mile trek through the countryside, or perhaps the Best of Bolsover - a new addition to the programme for 2012. If you prefer less of a challenge, take a stroll around the majestic and historic ruins of Sutton Scarsdale Hall or pay a visit to the National Trust property Hardwick Hall. to find out how Bess of Hardwick made the estate what it is today.
There are also several walks which finish with a pint at the end of them. All are led by a fully trained guide who knows the history, wildlife and the best countryside to walk through in the beautiful Border Country.

Information and booking details:

Programmes are available January 2012 from Chesterfield Tourist Information Centre, Rykneld Square, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S40 1SB, tel: 01246 345777/8 or visit www.chesterfieldwalkingfestival.co.uk

May 19th to May 31st 2012

Back for a 5th year, this popular Festival really does offer something for everyone, offering more than 80 varied walks. Discover rolling English countryside dissected by meandering rivers & canals, dotted with picturesque historic villages. The National Forest is Britain's boldest environmental project where 8 million trees have been planted - a massive "Forest for the nation" being created across 200 square miles of gentle countryside.
From a gentle stroll, walks for the whole family, walks suitable for wheelchair users, to longer more strenuous rambles for keen walkers, the packed programme (available 3 January 2012) has something for you! There are walks for all ages, interests or abilities, with all guided walks led by local experts keen to pass on their knowledge about this special area's rich & varied history, flora & fauna, geology, myths & legends. And why not try something different, such as Nordic Walking, or a pushchair walk?
Exciting additions this year include the first Night Walk, and a Photography Walk on which you can pick up tips that might make yours the masterpiece that wins the photography competition. You can also visit the site of the largest ever explosion in Europe; try one of the newest forms of walking (Geo-caching) in a most ancient landscape; or, bringing you bang up to date, explore a grand circuit through the site of the largest wood being created to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.

Information and Booking Details:

Please visit www.thenationalforestwalkingfestival.org.uk or contact Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre on 01283 222848

May 26th to June 10th 2012

You will be very welcome at the Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival 2012. Now in its 8th year, the organisers are delighted to be able to offer you over 90 walks, taking place in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and surrounding countryside, enticing you to explore the landscape and heritage of this stunning part of Lincolnshire.

There are walks to suit all ages, abilities and interests and new for this year the organisers are including walks for those with restricted mobility, families, walks with illustrated talks - and even a walk for dogs! This year the Leaders have provided some great walks over the extended Bank Holiday (4th and 5th June) to help make memories of our Queen's Diamond Jubilee. This is a chance to join others, make new friends, stay healthy and learn more about some fantastic heritage - and discover just why our Walk Leaders love to walk!

Information and Booking Details:

Visit the festival website www.woldswalkingfestival.co.uk
email: customerservices@e-lindsey.gov.uk
telephone: 01507 601111

May 26th to June 5th 2012

The main 2012 Festival will again be over 9 days, from Saturday 26th May to Sunday 3rd June 2012. Due to popular demand the 2010 Heritage Trail is being included again, running into the extended Spring Bank Holiday and finishing on Tuesday, an extension of 2 days.

This year there is a completely new 'Discovery Trail', meticulously developed and led by Bob Baldwin. This year he ventures back to the East of the Malvern Hills. Following straight after the new Discovery Trail, Derek Starkey will lead the '2010 Heritage Trail' over the original 6 days track, making a continuous 11 days walking - who will take that on?

Other challenging walks include the Malvern Hills End-to-End walk and also, as a real challenge, the "Malvern Hills End-to-End and Back". Only for serious and fit walkers! There is also the full length of the "Worcestershire Way" - in a day! All 31 miles! Meeting in Malvern you will be bussed to the start in Bewdley and you walk back. As usual all our strenuous walks have very experienced and fit walk leaders.

Information and Booking Details:

Visit the festival website www.malvern-hills.co.uk
Telephone: 01684 892289
Email: malvern.tic@malvernhills.gov.uk

June 1st to June 4th 2012

Planning the walks and social activities for the 2012 Festival is under way and one thing's for sure: another convivial weekend is, as always, assured - whatever the weather! This will be the 17th annual festival, one week later due to the change in Spring Bank Holiday dates.

Llanelli's Festival is believed to be the only one that is run entirely by Ramblers' Group members. The aim is simply to stage an enjoyable weekend that raises Llanelli's profile as an excellent centre for walking, so that its footpaths and countryside are appreciated and cared for. Another aim is to break even financially, and with everyone working on a voluntary basis, plus support from local councils and other organisations, the walks fee is always kept to a minimum. For 2012, it is proposed to charge a standard price of £6 per walk - including all coach travel to and from walks - or less for walks that are closer to home.

Information and Booking Details:

Visit the festival website www.llanelliramblers.org.uk
Email festival@llanelliramblers.org.uk

June 7th to June 10th 2012

The 10th Annual Walking Festival is centered in the historic market town of Church Stretton, nestling in a quiet valley surrounded by magnificent hills. In 2008, Church Stretton became the first town in the Midlands to be awarded Walkers are Welcome status, reflecting its unrivalled position as a first class centre for walking.

There is no quieter place to be in the early hours of a summer's day than the Long Mynd and the Stretton Hills. So why not forget for a while the hustle and bustle of your everyday world and discover the delights of our hills, valleys, woods and picturesque villages? Experience at first hand the magnificent splendour of the Long Mynd and the rugged beauty of the Stretton Hills. This part of the Marches is still relatively undiscovered and is well provided with trails and footpaths, fine places to eat and friendly accommodation. It was also one of Britain's first Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The festival will feature walks of varying length and difficulty, suitable for all members of the family and walkers of different levels of expertise and ability. Walks vary from 5 to 12.5 miles, cover different terrains, and are led by at least two guides per walk. Walk Leaders are all experienced locals (including local National Trust staff), with extensive knowledge of the area.

Information and Booking Details:

Visit the festival website: www.churchstrettonwalkingfestival.co.uk

June 12th to June 14th 2012

This long established Festival is rated highly by its regular walkers. This year there is a new challenge walk - The Three Dozen Challenge - comprising 3 walks over 3 days with a total distance of 36 miles!

There are also less ambitious walks for all abilities with moderate 6 to 9 mile themed walks on the landscape, history and the environment. There are also two 2 to 4 mile leisure walks which consist of a behind the scenes look at Shipton Hall and a walk and sketching day with local water-colour artist Joan Baker.

Information and Booking Details:

Visit the festival website www.walkingfestival.co.uk
Telephone: 01588 630531
Email: info@walkingfestival.co.uk

June 16th to June 24th 2012

This year is the eleventh Festival providing varied walking through the glorious Herefordshire countryside. Old favourites and new ideas fill nine days exploring the joys of summer walking. Two long distance walks this year. 'By Canal from Ledbury to Hereford' follows the stretch of the Hereford & Gloucester Canal within the county, along the towpath wherever possible, over farmland, tracks or minor roads. The Hill Forts & Castles Walk has never been walked before by the general public. Created by a Hereford Ramblers' member, four of the sections have been researched especially for the festival and will be led over both weekends.

Old favourites include 'On the Black Hill' particularly apposite this year with the general release of the film 'Resistance' based on the novel by Owen Sheers. Learn about butterflies, vendettas, farming practice, geology, tree husbandry, archaeology, myth and legend. Take the small children on a Sunday morning family wander or take yourself on a good bracing walk with wonderful views. Enjoyment of Herefordshire food is never far away be it tea and cakes, a ploughman's in the village local or a farmhouse supper.

New departures include an introduction to 'geocaching' and a tour of a historic house plus some very surprising adventures around Symonds Yat. 'And Now for Some thing Completely Different' is a treasure trail that can be walked and puzzled over on any day and at any time during the Festival by a single sleuth or a family group. Correct answers will be entered into a draw and the winner will receive a prize!

Information and Booking Details:

Visit the festival website: www.walkingfestival.com
Telephone: 01432 268430

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