Discover a beautiful, medieval landscape at the second High Weald Walking Festival from 14 to 22 September 2019.
Whether you’re an avid rambler or just want to get out in the fresh air and appreciate your local area, the Walking Festival has something for everyone.
In 2018, the Festival’s first year, hundreds turned out to explore and enjoy the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This year, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the legislation that led to the creation of AONBs, the Festival is set to be a bigger showcase for the High Weald. Even more people will have the opportunity to join the guided walks, most of which are free-of-charge.
With a choice of over forty inspiring guided walks, the Festival caters for walkers of all ages and abilities. Themes include local history, wildlife, geology, literature and architecture. Many of the walks welcome children, some are accessible for buggies or wheelchairs, and some are suitable for dogs.
Enjoy a short walk looking for wildlife in ancient woodland and heathland at nature reserves near Groombridge in Kent, or spot seabirds at Rye Harbour. Find out about autumn foraging, or be inspired on a creative writing walk along the River Rother towards Bodiam Castle. Stroll through Bedgebury’s pinetum and hear about the beautiful conifers of this world-renowned collection.
Take a slightly longer walk to find traces of the High Weald’s historic iron industry in the landscape. Or discover the crazy structures built by ‘Mad Jack’ Fuller around Brightling in East Sussex.
Go further and take a picnic on one of the hikes. Admire stunning views on a circular walk around Ashdown Forest, or from the delightful village of Horsted Keynes in West Sussex.
Visit www.highwealdwalks.org to learn more and sign up for further festival details.
