Six summer walking festivals
Although many of the walking festival’s around Great Britain take place during the spring and early summer, there are still a good number for you to get involved in over the next few months too. We thought we’d do a quick round up of the summer walking events to give you some inspiration for your next trip – or even a staycation?
The Conwy Walking Week is already underway and runs until Wednesday 11 July. There are a number of walks running each day and booking for the sessions is essential. The team promise a great variety of walks from historical walks around the town ofConwy, a photographic walk, a ‘foodie’ walk, family fun to mountain top and the long distance North Wales Pilgrims Trail.
The Guildford Walkfest is also underway now, running until Sunday 22 July. There are a range of walks from strolls around the historic town to longer treks exploring the surrounding countryside. Visit their website to find out more – note that some walks require booking and some ask for donations, so do check before the day.
Moving into Somerset, Mendip Ramblers are holding their walking festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend, 25–27 August. Each day there will be three walks of varying distances each starting at 10.00 am and one shorter walk starting at 1.00 pm.
Heading further north to Lancashire, the Pendle Walking Festival runs from 1–9 September. Walks vary in length – right up to the 45-milePendle Way for those who enjoy a challenge. They’ve produced an excellent guide to the walks, all of which are free and don’t require booking – although you will need transport for thePendle Way walks. There’s also the chance to find out about the 400-year history of the Pendle Witches.
The Bedfordshire Walking Festival is on from 8–16 September. They’re yet to confirm their programme, but in it’s fourth year you can expect walks to suit all abilities giving you the chance to see the beautiful landscape. Walks will be marked to help you chose the one’s most suitable for you and all walks are led by experienced leaders.
Finally, we return to Walesfor the Cardigan Walks Festival, 21–23 September. Their walks include urban walking, countryside walks, tackling the coastal path, and vary in difficulty from easy walking on gentle or no gradients, to major ascents and descents.
If you’ve taken part in any walking festivals this year – let us know your recommendations.
Themocracy
The Conwy area is a beautiful place to go out for a walk, some of the views around here are stunning. I am sorry I had to work and did not have chance to get involved in this years event, even the sun shone some of the time!