Walking Festivals and Holiday Cottages for Walkers
Our Favourite UK Walking Festivals for a Weekend Break
Walking with a group is a great way to discover spectacular locations while making new friends. The UK has roughly 80 walking festivals, encompassing everything from gentle woodland strolls to gruelling mountain ascents. Most are run by local ramblers passionate about sharing their knowledge with visitors, and with summer approaching, this is the perfect time to choose an event and book your place. Here are a few of our favourite festivals in some of the most beautiful parts of the UK. For each festival, we have included a recommended holiday cottage to stay in, while enjoying your walking holiday.
## Ulverston Walkfest
Friendly Lake District event for ramblers of all ages and abilities. Set in the southern fringes of the Lake District, Ulverston Walkfest runs from April 27 to May 6, emphasising respect and care for the environment. The festival includes a series of guided hikes along the coast at Morecambe Bay and around the misty mountains and waters of the Lake District National Park. The South Lakeland market town of Ulverston is an idyllic base nestled in unspoiled countryside at the top of the Furness Peninsula.
Where to Stay: Ulverston Holiday Cottages
## Ironbridge Walking Festival
Nine days exploring the dramatic gorge where the Industrial Revolution began. This event is a great way to discover Ironbridge Gorge, known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and one of the UK’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nature has reclaimed much of the gorge, which is now crisscrossed by scenic woodland trails, but you will discover remnants of its manufacturing heritage during 35 themed walks and events from May 5-13.
Where to Stay: Holiday Cottages in Shropshire
Crickhowell Walking Festival
Guided walks and events in the breathtaking Black Mountains Warm, waterproof clothes are highly recommended for this invigorating winter event. Ancient standing stones, shimmering lakes and towering mountains are all explored during Crickhowell Festival in March. Routes for all levels are provided by local experts, taking in some of the most captivating scenery in the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons in South Wales. This independent, not-for-profit event is run by volunteers and based in the charming town of Crickhowell.
Where to Stay: Holiday Cottages in The Brecon Beacons
## Dartmoor Walking Festival
Tors, bogs, mires and streams in the heart of rural Devon Dartmoor is a glorious expanse of ancient woods, farmland, streams and tors, which many visitors to Devon miss. Dartmoor Walking Festival is an opportunity to get to know locals while discovering this unique environment. The event runs from August 25 to September 2, with guided walks providing an insight into Dartmoor’s history, wildlife, myths and legends.
Where to Stay: Dartmoor Holiday Cottages
## Richmond Walking and Book Festival
Nine days of guided rambles and book events in the Yorkshire Dales The Richmond Walking and Book Festival combines day-time hikes through the Dales’ rugged countryside with evening talks by renowned authors. Based in the delightful town of Richmond, the event includes rambles to iconic locations such as Willance’s Leap and challenging climbs, including the High Fells Challenge to the 2,110ft summit of Yockenthwaite Moor.
Where to Stay: Holiday Cottages in the Yorkshire Dales
## Herefordshire Walking Festival
Thirty-seven walks through rolling countryside on the Herefordshire-Gloucestershire border. Organised by keen local walkers, this annual event is a great way to discover famous routes such as the Wye Valley Walk, Mortimer Trail, Offa’s Dyke Path and Monnow Valley Walk. If your holiday in Herefordshire doesn’t coincide with the festival, check out Herefordshire Ramblers’ Winter and Spring Programme of group walks.