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Outdoor events for hillwalkers in the UK

Let’s get together in the great outdoors! Here’s our pick of outdoor events – hiking, biking, running, swimming and more – happening in the UK’s high places in the coming months.

The hillwalking community can be a sociable bunch. With plenty of outdoor events organised throughout the year in the UK, there’s bound to be a festival, talk, or activity to suit your calendar. From sunrise birdwatching to stargazing evenings, the outdoor events happening across the UK’s national parks this month will inspire you to get out there. We’ve also included some cultural odes to the mountains, curated and presented inside institutions, for those days when conditions keep us indoors.

Taking in Lake District views (Credit_ Jessie Leong)

Taking in Lake District views. Credit: Jessie Leong.

Outdoor events and walking events happening in January 2023

Loony Dook

1 January
South Queensferry, Edinburgh

Recover from Hogmanay with a dose of cold water at the Loony Dook. Get dressed up in your wackiest outfit for the parade, march through South Queensferry towards the Firth of Forth. Here, you’ll throw yourself into the deep end. Literally. Part of your registration fee goes to the RNLI.
Cost: £12.50
theloonydook.co.uk

Fan Dance winter series

7 – 8 January
Brecon Beacons

This gruelling non-navigational 24km SAS Selection test march is staged over Pen y Fan, is the world’s oldest Special Forces test with a provable and undeniable heritage. Founded, organised and managed by veteran SAS and SBS soldiers, the ethos is of integrity and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
Cost: Varies
thefandancerace.com

Winter Mountain Skills with Mammut Mountain School

13 January
Ambleside, Lake District

The extensively experienced Mammut Mountain School instructors and guides are ready to help you take your winter skills to the next level. Exploring hand-picked locations, depending on the weather in Lakeland, this one-day course comes with certain equipment provided and a maximum group size of just six.
Cost: £61
mammutmountainschool.co.uk

Buff® Winter Trail Wales

The Buff outdoor events continue with the Winter Trails

The Buff Winter Trail gets a thumbs up. Credit: Sport Pictures Cymru

21 January
Snowdonia

The eighth annual Buff® Winter Trail Wales will lead you along the stunning tracks of the world-renowned Coed y Brenin Forest Park in the Snowdonia National Park. You could be running in snow, frost, under crystal clear blue skies or in rain and mud. Expect great organisation, a warm welcome, and good fun.
Cost: £34
runcoedybrenin.com

Winter Skills 101 with Girls on Hills

Girls on Hills courses provide a safe and supportive environment for women to learn mountain skills, as well as meet other enthusiasts in an outdoor sport which is still heavily male-dominated. Credit: Girls on Hills

Girls on Hills courses provide a safe and supportive environment for women to learn mountain skills, as well as meet other enthusiasts in an outdoor sport which is still heavily male-dominated. Credit: Girls on Hills

21 January
Fort William, Glencoe

Delivered by MCI and WML qualified female guides, sponsored by Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports, this two-day course is for women seeking adventure in winter. The mountains of Scotland are breath-taking in snow, but can be dangerous. The course covers movement-skills, crampons, self-arresting using an ice-axe, avalanche awareness, and winter navigation.
Cost: £150
girlsonhills.com

Atlantic Irish Festival

A guided hike during the Atlantic Irish Fest (Credit_Atlantic Irish Fest)

A guided hike during the Atlantic Irish Fest. Credit: Atlantic Irish Fest

21 -25 January
Wild Atlantic Way, Donegal

The Northwest of Ireland has long been celebrated for its unique Atlantic culture and history. Now there is a festival on the Wild Atlantic Way, making the most of the cosy winter atmosphere, with the best of outdoor activities, live music, cultural talks, and plenty of craic and ceoil with new friends.
Cost: Varies
atlanticirishfest.com

Winter Walk 2023

28 – 29 January
London

Walk off the Christmas celebrations for a good cause and kick start the New Year with marathon, half marathon and 10k walks taking in the Thames, historic bridges, and many key capital landmarks. A bobble hat and neck buff are included for participants with a medal and food at the finish.
Cost: Varies
ultrachallenge.com

Outdoor events and walking events happening in February 2023

Rombalds Stride

4 February
Yorkshire

Organised by the 15th Airedale Scout Group, the Rombalds Stride Winter Challenge is a 23-mile walking or running route taking in some of Yorkshire’s finest scenery. You’ll ascend up the Airedale Valley, over Rombalds Moor to Ilkley and across Otley Chevin. Checkpoints will close on a 2mph walking speed.
Cost: £25
rombaldsstride.co.uk

Dark Skies Festival

10 – 26 February
Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors

The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks, which remain some of the darkest places in England, are once again running a joint Dark Skies Festival in February. 2020 saw the theme of ‘exploration’ run through the impressive programme of events, with 2023 set to bring activities like kayaking, stargazing safaris and zip wires.
Cost: Varies
darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk

Fort William Mountain Festival

Looks Alpine, doesn’t it? But this is only a few miles from Fort William. Credit: Alex Roddie

16 – 19 February
Fort William

Scotland’s outdoor capital welcomes you for a packed programme of events designed to inspire you to enjoy and respect the high places here. From bothy sessions to award ceremonies and film screenings, as well as a schedule of guided walks and runs, the activities are as varied as the landscape.
Cost: Varies
mountainfestival.co.uk

Welsh Dark Skies Week

17 – 26 February
Various locations

All eight protected landscapes in Wales have come together to celebrate what makes our dark skies so unique and special. Together, the three National Parks and the five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty will be holding events from stargazing and astrophotography workshops with mobile observatories to special guest lectures on biodiversity and heritage.
Cost: Varies
discoveryinthedark.wales

The Winter Traverse

outdoor events - A frosty morning by Red Lake on the Dartmoor Winter Traverse. Credit: Justin Nicholas

A frosty morning by Red Lake on the Dartmoor Winter Traverse. Credit: Justin Nicholas

25 February
Dartmoor

Start your new year with a big dose of winter and a walk or run across Dartmoor. This fully supported 50 km journey from South to North, through some of the most remote parts of the moors, is more challenge than race. While good fitness is required, walkers can choose to be accompanied by local Mountain Leaders with first-aid cover.
Cost: £55 – £75
climbsouthwest.com

The South Pennine 24

Jackie Cooper with Search & Rescue dog and Peter Smith at the South Pennine 24 CP1 at Chew Reservoir. (Credit_ Mick Cooper)

Jackie Cooper with Search & Rescue dog and Peter Smith at the South Pennine 24 CP1 at Chew Reservoir. Credit: Mick Cooper

25 February
Peak District

This 24-mile fully-supported challenge event is hosted by the South Pennine chapter of the LDWA and traverses a variety of terrain from wild moorland to well-graded bridleways and footpaths in the Dark Peak & South Pennines, with 3,900ft of ascent. All are welcome and soup and refreshments will be provided.
Cost: £22 for non-members
ldwa.org.uk/southpennine

Outdoor events and walking events happening in March 2023

Braemar Mountain Festival 2023

A cloud inversion in the Cairngorms. Credit: Paul Noble / SAIS Southern Cairngorms

2 – 5 March
Cairngorms National Park

A celebration of the mountains in winter, this festival includes workshops on ski touring and maintenance, winter skills and avalanche awareness, low-level walking, navigation, and fell running. The evening programme features illustrated talks from esteemed mountaineers as well as a ceilidh, film night, music, and food.
Cost: Varies
braemarmountainfestival.com

Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF)

SHAFF_Film_Pasang in the Shadow of Everest.jpg

‘PASANG: in the Shadow of Everest’ – directed by Nancy Svendsen – will be screened at ShAFF this year. Credit: ShAFF

3 – 5 March
Sheffield

ShAFF, the family-friendly adventure film festival, is back. Everyone is welcome from outdoors enthusiasts to armchair adventurers who love a good story. As well as watching films, share a ShAFF beer with adventure athletes and filmmakers in the bar, take inspiration from free talks or enjoy a range of outdoor activities.
Cost: Varies
shaff.co.uk

Crickhowell Walking Festival

4 – 12 March
Powys

The Crickhowell Walking Festival is offering 82 guided walks from 3 to 16 miles, including valley strolls to all-day routes on the high tops. There will be old favourites, new challenges, themed walks, and the four-day Usk Valley Walk, as well as entertaining evening events. This year, the festival supports Wales Air Ambulance.
Cost: From £7
crickhowellfestival.com

Women’s Winter Festival – Girls on Hills

Girls on Hills Winter Fest w Abacus Mountain Guides

This Winter Festival is here to empower women and increase female participation in a heavily male-dominated area of mountain sports. Credit: Girls on Hills/Abacus Mountain Guides

10 – 12 March
Fort William

Make the Scottish mountains your playground with the Girls on Hills Women’s Winter Festival, in partnership with Abacus Mountain Guides. Whether you’re new to snowy mountains or an experienced winter climber looking for inspiration or to perfect your technique, the festival offers skills and confidence building in a fun and safe space.
Cost: Varies
girlsonhills.com

Cleveland Survival

The Cleveland Survival_Credit Cleveland MRT

The Cleveland Survival. Credit: Cleveland MRT

18 March
North York Moors

This friendly orienteering event is open to group or individual runners and walkers with two timed route options of 25 or 15 miles. As its name suggests this route is not to be undertaken lightly and traverses the highs and lows of the North York Moors, raising funds for Cleveland MRT.
Cost: £27.50
clevelandmrt.org.uk

The National Outdoor Expo

18 – 19 March
Birmingham NEC

The National Outdoor Expo is one of the biggest community meet-ups of the year, bringing together inspirational speakers, cutting-edge technologies and the best in gear, all under one roof. Get inspired whether you’re interested in walking, climbing, running, camping, or even eating outdoors and enjoying the view.
Cost: Varies
nationaloutdoorexpo.com

Wander Wild Festival

2022 Wander Wild Festival participants enjoying a range of activities in Killarney National Park.

2022 Wander Wild Festival participants enjoying a range of activities in Killarney National Park. Photo credit: Adrian McCarthy, Grandview Media.

24 – 26 March
Killarney National Park

Wander off the beaten track, swim at sunrise in a lake, and climb Carrauntoohil to see Ireland from its peak at the Wander Wild Festival. Alongside foodie and wellness goodness, this festival celebrates the outdoors and offers the chance to bike, run, ride, stroll and kayak through the weekend in Killarney National Park.
Cost: From €152.00 (£133.70)
wanderwildfestival.com

Outdoor events and walking events happening in April 2023

Shropshire Way 80K Festival 2023

Across the fields to Ragleth on the Shropshire Way 80k

Across the fields to Ragleth on the Shropshire Way 80k

1 April
Shropshire

Hundreds of runners and walkers will head to the Shropshire Hills for the 80k Festival which showcases the food, history and landscape of this area. It also fundraises for Grow Cook Learn, a charity delivering an education programme that teaches children from inner-city areas about how their food is grown.
Cost: £15-55
shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk

Gay Outdoor Club’s Easter on Ardnamurchan

outdoor events - GOC Easter on Ardnamurchan_Credit David Archer

GOC Easter on Ardnamurchan. Credit: David Archer

7 – 10 April
Fort William

This members-only group weekend will take you to the Ardnamurchan peninsula, and the most westerly point on the British mainland at Corrachadh Mòr (37km further west than Land’s End in Cornwall). The area promises plenty of geological interest and a good variety of coastal, hill and mountain walking over the weekend.
Cost: £96 (plus £17/year membership fee)
goc.org.uk

Chepstow Walking Festival

Chepstow Walking Festival

A serene riverside wander. Credit: Chepstow Walking Festival

11 – 16 April
Monmouthshire
Chepstow Walking Festival returns in 2023 to offer six days of hillwalking, with many routes taking in the natural beauty of the Wye Valley. As an official ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town, Chepstow is a great base to explore the surrounding hills and the programme promises to be packed with walks suitable for all abilities.
Cost: Free – £5
walksinchepstow.co.uk

Castle to Abbey Coastal Challenge

Castle to Abbey challenge coastal views.

Castle to Abbey challenge coastal views. Credit: John Hart

15 April
Cleveland Way, Yorkshire
Challenge yourself to a bracing, epic 22-mile walk along the coastal Cleveland Way from Scarborough Castle to Whitby Abbey – the coastal equivalent of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks! Don’t be fooled into thinking this is 22 miles of easy-going coastal path as the route includes around 1,200m of ascent.
Cost: £55
largeoutdoors.com

Walk Scilly

WolfRock - Scilly - July 2017 - Sunset Walk - LO-RES-23

Sunset at Wolf Rock. Credit: Walk Scilly

15 – 21 April
Scilly Isles
This event is entirely dedicated to the discovery of the natural beauty and heritage on Scilly by foot – and by sea! The opportunity comes but once a year when you can experience the ‘waking-up’ of the islands when spring is in all its glory on both the inhabited and uninhabited islands.
Cost: From £10
visitislesofscilly.com

Outdoor Adventure Girls Eryri/Snowdonia Weekend

outdoor events - Outdoor Adventure Girls guests on Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon

Outdoor Adventure Girls guests on Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon. Credit: Outdoor Adventure Girls

21 – 23 April
Eryri/Snowdonia
Outdoor Adventure Girls is an outdoor community providing safe and inclusive environments for women to reconnect with nature and the outdoors. This weekender welcomes you to explore Eryri/Snowdonia, including a trip up to its highest peak and much more, with accommodation at YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass.
Cost: £300
outdooradventuregirls.com

Kington Walks Spring Festival

 The Whet stone on Hergest Ridge above Kington

The Whet stone on Hergest Ridge above Kington. Credit: Helen Lauder

21 – 23 April
Herefordshire
Located just west of the Offa’s Dyke Path at the intersection with five popular regional trails, passionate volunteers from Kington are again hosting their spring walking festival. The many walking routes of variable distances promise dramatic landscapes, local history, arts, natural history, and of course, excellent town and village pubs.
Cost: £5 to £19.50
kingtonwalks.org

Haltwhistle Walking Festival

22 April – 1 May
Northumberland
Explore the landscape of Northumberland – from waterfalls to follies y way of Hadrian’s Wall – over six days at Haltwhistle Walking Festival. For the long-distance walkers, festival organisers are hosting a 62.5-mile journey along the St Oswald’s Way, encompassing coast, woods and moorland.
Cost: Varies
haltwhistlewalkingfestival.org

Ulverston WalkFest

outdoor events - Ulverston WalkFest

Walkers on Lingmoor Fell at Ulverston WalkFest. Credit: Ulverston WalkFest

22 April – 1 May
Lake District
With three walks a day – ranging from easy to moderate to challenging – hosted every day of this year’s WalkFest, there’s plenty of opportunity to explore this iconic area of Lakeland. The festival has been running for over two decades and the walk leaders promise to delve into the untapped areas of this landscape.
Cost: Free
ulverstonwalkfest.com

Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival

22 April – 2 May
Staffordshire, Peak District
Last year, the festival hosted 40 walks attended by hundreds of walkers and this year will be bigger and better! With plenty of walks in the White Peak area of the Peak District – including sites of interest such as Thor’s Cave and The Roaches – there are more scenic vistas than you can shake your trekking poles at!
Cost: Varies
staffsmoorlandswalkingfestival.co.uk

Colonsay Spring Fest

24 April – 8 May
Argyll and Bute
Spring on Colonsay is a magical time, we often have our best weather in May and the days are wonderfully long which have inspired the new festival theme: the great outdoors! Join for a celebration of all that spring on the island has to offer with a focus on nature, wildlife and outdoor activities with various walks and talks, too.
Cost: Varies
colonsayspringfest.com

ride2stride

Settle & Carlisle Railway

Settle & Carlisle Railway Line. Credit: ride2stride

25 April – 1 May
Yorkshire Dales
ride2stride is a festival of walks, talks and music and it will return this year with new walks from Skipton and a chance to do the Six Peaks Trail for those who like a challenge. There will be walks to suit all levels, all starting and finishing at a train station along the Settle to Carlisle line.
Cost: Free
ride2stride.co.uk

Talgarth Walking Festival

28 April – 1 May
Black Mountains
Walkers from Talgarth, the Gateway to the Black Mountains of South Wales, welcome you to walk with them, exploring local history, geology, literature and nature. Explore the area from the festival hub with knowledgeable leaders who love the landscape, from the wooded dingles to the Black Mountains plateau.
Cost: £7 – 10
talgarthwalkingfestival.org

Ironbridge Walking Festival

Walking through a rape field at the Ironbridge Walking Festival

Walking through a rape field at the Ironbridge Walking Festival. Credit: Lynn Turner

29 April – 7 May
Shropshire
This festival promises a warm welcome and 60 free walks from 3 to 20 miles over nine days. You’ll pick from dog-friendly walks to morning missions or longer challenges hosted by friendly and experienced walk leaders who love the area, home of The Wreckin. There are even medals for completing 25, 50 or 100 miles during the festival.
Cost: Free
ironbridgewalking.co.uk

The Kiltwalk

The Kiltwalk starting line_credit_Elaine Livingstone

The Kiltwalk starting line. Credit: Elaine Livingstone

30 April
Glasgow
Kiltwalk is Scotland’s largest mass participation walking event with over 120,000 people taking part since 2016. Join one of three distance Kiltwalks, all finishing in the idyllic surroundings of Balloch, Loch Lomond, to raise money for your chosen charity alongside the friendly and welcoming community of Kiltwalkers. (Kilt optional…kind of!)
Cost: £12.50-20
thekiltwalk.co.uk

Outdoor events and walking events happening in May 2023

Shap Outdoor Festival

Outdoor Events_Shap Festival

Bampton and the Lowther Valley looking towards Haweswater. Credit: Patrick Neaves

21 April – 22 May
Shap
Nestled between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, the village of Shap lies in the picturesque Lowther Valley. Perhaps most famous for its award-winning chip shop, it is now keen to also become known for its landscape and wildlife, by launching the first ever Shap Outdoor Festival on Saturday 22 April. The festival is a celebration of the stunning scenery and nature that can be explored in the Lowther Valley, with a number of individuals and organisations coming together to provide a packed programme of events for locals and visitors alike.
Cost: Varies
theoldcourthouse.org

Bingley Walking Festival

Bingley Walking Festival

Ramblers at the Bingley Walking Festival. Credit: Cedric Farineau

1 May
Yorkshire
The 6th Bingley Walking Festival offers a choice of between four and five walks, all mapped and led by experienced walk leaders in the area around the Airedale Valley. Each walk will have something different to offer to walkers of all abilities, ages and experience. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome on most walks.
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
bingleywalkersarewelcome.org.uk

Alton Walking Festival

1 – 31 May
Hampshire
Held at the gateway to the South Downs National Park, fondly known as ‘Jane Austen country’, Alton Walking Festival welcomes enthusiastic walkers, wanderers, and explorers of all ages. Discover an abundance of wildlife and cultural heritage on one of over 100 walks led by knowledgeable volunteer walk leaders.
Cost: Varies
walkalton.org.uk

Arran Mountain Festival

outdoor events - Arran Mountain Festival Goatfell S ridge © Alastair Howe

On Goatfell at the Arran Mountain Festival. Credit: Alastair Howe

12 – 15 May
Isle of Arran
Scotland’s premier hillwalking and mountaineering festival offers an opportunity to meet like-minded people, discover a fascinating island and have unforgettable days in the safe hands of experienced local leaders. With names to inspire, like Ceum na Caillich and Caisteal Abhail, Arran’s mountains are amongst Scotland’s most amazing landscapes.
Cost: From £20
arranmountainfestival.co.uk

Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival

outdoor events - IOWWalkfest_credit Leon Butler : Visit Isle of Wight.jpg

At the Isle of Wight WalkFest. Credit: Leon Butler

13 – 21 May
Isle of Wight
You may have visited the Isle of Wight before, but this festival offers the chance to tread off-the-beaten-track routes to really explore. The island celebrates the return of the annual Walking Festival when locals invite you to get to know their little slice of paradise.
Cost: Free
isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival

outdoor events - Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival Wold Hike credit East Lindsey District Council

Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival. Credit: East Lindsey District Council

20 May – 11 June
Lincolnshire Wolds
The Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival takes place in and around the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Beauty . This nationally important and cherished landscape has much to offer with plentiful outdoor activities on offer – from fishing to gliding by way of biking and, of course, hillwalking.
Cost: Varies
woldsoutdoorfestival.com

WalkFest 2023

27 – 29 May
North York Moors
This special edition of the North York Moors Walking Festival celebrates the Year of the Coast. Enjoy the usual rambles with the addition of longer linear walks along coastal stretches of the Cleveland Way (with transport back to the start). It’s billed as a great way to explore beautiful coastline.
Cost: From £8
northyorkmoors.org.uk

Guernsey Spring Walking Festival

20 May – 4 June
Guernsey
Join experienced leaders from the Bailiwick of Guernsey Guild of Accredited Guides for their annual Spring Walking Festival. Each day will offer the chance to explore Guernsey, Herm and Sark, from coastal hikes and hidden ruettes tranquilles. All are rated from an easy amble to a more testing hike.
Cost: Varies
visitguernsey.com

Malvern Walking Festival

outdoor events - Malvern Walking Festival credit Brian Pitts.jpg

Malvern Walking Festival. Credit: Brian Pitts

27 May – 4 June
Malvern Hills AONB
Over 50 walks offer a wide variety of choice for all abilities and interests, from short local strolls to long distance multi-day walks exploring history, nature, local brewing, the arts and notable people from the area. For the energetic, there’s the popular Malvern Hills End-to-End and Back walk and the 31-mile “Worcestershire Way in a Day”.
Cost: From £5
malvernwalking.uk

Outdoor events and walking events happening in June 2023

The Big Retreat Festival

outdoor events The Big Retreat 2022 - Owen Howells Photography-028.jpg

The Big Retreat 2022. Credit: Owen Howells Photography

1 – 4 June
Pembrokeshire

Billed as a feel-good getaway, The Big Retreat Festival offers four days to relax and reboot in the wilds of West Wales. Reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and nature with access to over 300 carefully curated experiences: fitness, yoga, talks, workshops, foraging, feasting, arts, bushcraft, live music and more.
Cost: From £82.50
thebigretreatfestival.com

North Wessex Downs Walking Festival

outdoor events - Walkers at Avebury during the North Wessex Downs Walking Festival 2022 Credit Jacky Akam.JPG

Walkers at Avebury during the North Wessex Downs Walking Festival 2022. Credit: Jacky Akam

2 – 11 June
North Wessex Downs

A varied programme of walks across the North Wessex Downs will take place during the festival, including 27 walks and family-friendly events, some of which are free. You can seek out wildlife or history, visit a working farm or soak up the views from the top of the downs alongside knowledgeable and welcoming guides.
Cost: Varies
northwessexdowns.org.uk

Ballater Walking Festival

3 – 9 June
Aberdeenshire

Just east of the Cairngorms lies the village of Ballater. Here, local ramblers are hosting their annual walking festival of tough, moderate and easy walks inviting you to explore the area. There will also be a programme of evening entertainment including talks, dinners and a ceilidh.
Cost: From £15
walkballater.com

Wrexham Walking Festival

outdoor events - Wrexham Walking Festival Moel y Faen 2022_credit Marian Morris.jpg

Walkers on Moel y Faen. Credit: Marian Morris

3 – 11 June
Wrexham

Walkers in Wrexham in North Wales invite you to join them on nine days of free guided rambles in the area, nestled between the Welsh mountains and the lower Dee Valley, offering beautiful borderland scenery. All walks will be led by trained volunteer walk leaders and are graded easy, moderate and hard.
Cost: Free
walksinwrexham.com

Quantock Hills Walking Festival

outdoors events - Quantock Hills Walking Festival 2021_ credit A. Ricketts.jpg

Quantock Hills Walking Festival. Credit: A. Ricketts

8 – 12 June
Somerset

This year marks the fifth walking festival in and around the beautiful Quantock Hills. Once again, the majority of the walks will take place over the weekend. For those looking for a challenge, the festival is also featuring a tough four-day walk along the Coleridge Way.
Cost: Varies
stoweywalking.co.uk

Localsh Dirty 30

10 June
Highland

A 30-mile circuit from Glenelg, passing the Skye Ferry, the Skye Bridge and the world famous Eilean Donan castle before climbing over the hills and past ancient brochs before returning to the finish in Glenelg, this walking and running race will challenge you as you explore the stunning natural surroundings.
Cost: From £30
lochalsh-trails.co.uk

Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival

outdoor events - Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival. Credit: Diane A Smith

Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival. Credit: Diane A Smith

16 – 25 June
Moray

From the foothills of the Cairngorms to Moray’s award-winning coastline, enjoy long summer days discovering Moray’s natural, historical and cultural landscape during this 10-day festival. It offers a wide range of rambles and other activities, including foraging and history walks.
Cost: Varies
moraywalkoutdoorfest.co.uk

Herefordshire Walking Festival

17 – 25 June
Herefordshire

With nine days and over 50 walks on which to explore Herefordshire and its magnificent surroundings – the Wye Valley AONB, The Offa’s Dyke Path, Malvern Hills AONB, Brecon Beacons National Park, and the newly established Golden Valley Pilgrim Way – there’s something for every rambler at this festival.
Cost: From £6
herefordshirewalkingfestival.co.uk

Outdoor events and walking events happening in July 2023

Otley Walking Festival

outdoor events - Walkers on the Six Dales Trail at Otley Walking Festival.Credit: Stuart Fildes

Walkers on the Six Dales Trail at Otley Walking Festival. Credit: Stuart Fildes

24 June – 2 July
Wharfedale

Over 40 walks and events (some free) will take place over nine days at Otley Walking Festival, catering for all abilities. Enjoy shorter town-based walks, meadows and field paths, strenuous moor land hikes, entertaining evening events, and new themed walks showcasing the wonderful variety of Wharfedale countryside on the doorstep.
Cost: Varies
otleywalkingfestival.co.uk

White Cliffs Ramblers Walking Week

17 – 23 July
Kent

For the previous 10 years, the local Ramblers group has run the White Cliffs Walking Festival, but this year are trialling a Walking Week, open to members and non-members. Some of the walks will start in unusual locations and include the chance to socialise at the end of the walk with eating and/or drinking in some of local haunts. There will be a mixture of short, medium and longer walks. Just turn up for those you wish to attend in the usual manner.
Cost: Varies
whitecliffsramblers.org.uk

Outdoor events and walking events happening in August 2023

Mendip Ramblers Free Walking Festival

26 – 28 August
Wells, Somerset

The Mendip Ramblers’ annual Walking Festival will be based in Wells, Somerset in 2023. Famous for its Cathedral and Bishops Palace, it is the smallest free standing city in the UK. Lying at the heart of Somerset it is surrounded by beautiful and varied countryside. Each day, there will be three morning walks with daily afternoon family walks of approximately four miles. Walks include at least one stop for food andndrink and all walkers are welcome.
Cost: Varies
mendipramblers.co.uk

Dartmoor Walking Festival

Hanna Lindon wild camping on Dartmoor

Wild camping in Dartmoor. Credit: Hanna Lindon

26 August – 3 September
Dartmoor National Park

Explore a different side to Dartmoor and delve into its folklore, history and landscape with a range of walks led by expert guides while raising money for a life-saving service – the Devon Air Ambulance. With walks ranging from 3 miles to 15 miles; some women-only walks and some Wheelchair/Scooter walks, this family-friendly walking festival has something for everyone including access to listed buildings, secret wild-swimming spots and more!
Cost: Varies
daat.org

Outdoor events and walking events happening in September 2023

Kington Walks 2023 Autumn Festival

Kington Walks - outdoor events for hillwalkers

Taking in the Kington surroundings. Credit: Nigel Sheath

20 – 24 September
Kington

Kington is a great centre for walking, located on the Herefordshire-Radnorshire border at the intersection of the Offa’s Dyke Path with five popular regional trails. Kington Walks festivals offer a taste of this superb walking country that surrounds the locality through a varied menu of walks led by an enthusiastic team of volunteer walk leaders. The walks – short and long – feature dramatic landscapes, local history from the ancient to the industrial, arts, natural history, and excellent town and village pubs.
Cost: £5 to £19.50
kingtonwalks.org

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