Outdoor events and walking festivals in the UK

Let’s get together in the great outdoors! Here’s our pick of outdoor events – hiking, biking, running, swimming, walking festivals, 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 walking festival, talk, film screening, skills course or activity to suit your calendar. From sunrise birdwatching to stargazing evenings, the outdoor events happening across the UK’s rural areas and national parks this year 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.

• Outdoor events in January
• Outdoor events in February
• Outdoor events in March
• Outdoor events in April
• Outdoor events in May
• Outdoor events in June
• Outdoor events in July
• Outdoor events in August
• Outdoor events in September
• Outdoor events in October
• Outdoor events in November
• Outdoor events in December

Outdoor events and walking festivals happening in January

• RNLI Kinghorn Loony Dook
• Lakeland Paws Canicross
• Everest Revisited
• Stargazing at National Trust Allan Bank
• Fan Dance winter series
• Winter Skills 101 with Girls on Hills
• Atlantic Irish Festival
• The Eagle with the Sunlit Eye
• Winter Walk 2025

RNLI Kinghorn Loony Dook

1 January
RNLI Kinghorn Lifeboat Station

Herald in the New Year by braving the Firth of Forth! This fundraising Dook has become a great community event and a popular alternative to the famous South Queensferry Dook which has been cancelled for the past few years. The Kinghorn Dook takes place at 11am, with registration opening at 10.15am. All participants in the Dook are requested to register before the event. The event is open to all but under-18s must be accompanied by an adult. The local RNLI recommend that a wetsuit is worn under any fancy dress costume and most importantly, shoes should be worn as the run down to sea will be over open beach. The tide is half out on the day of the Dook so there will be plenty space on the beach for spectators to cheer the participants along.

Cost: Minimum £5 donation
rnli.org

Lakeland Paws Canicross

5 January
Whinlatter

The autumn 24/25 series of canicross races has launched, held every month until May in England’s only mountain forest, Dodd Wood and Grizedale Forest. They make the perfect location for you to enjoy stunning scenery and a fully marked course on forest roads and trails. This series offers a mix of courses across three venues with 5 and 3 mile options available. This Whinlatter Tails course takes on Seat How anti-clockwise.

Cost: £18.50
forestryengland.uk

Everest Revisited exhibition

Runs until February 2025
Rheged, Cumbria

To mark 2024’s centenary of Mallory and Irvine’s disappearance near the summit of Everest, Rheged brings lesser-known stories and Everest ‘firsts’ to life using art, photography and film in an exhibition they say “will be the most significant mountain-based exhibition since the National Mountaineering Exhibition at Rheged closed nearly 20 years ago”. Expect to see artefacts from the Alpine Club, the Mountain Heritage Trust and the Royal Geographical Society that have rarely or never been exhibited.

Cost: £5 (16 and under go free)
rheged.com

Stargazing Evening at Allan Bank

17 January
Lake District

The National Trust will host a series of stargazing events at Allan Bank and Fell Foot in Lakeland over the winter. On family evenings, younger folks are invited to explore the wonders of the winter night sky and learn fun facts about this vast space. Later on, events will be held for adults and children over 12 during which you can discover more about the stars, planets and galaxies in our universe.

Cost: From £2.50 (children under six go free)
nationaltrust.org.uk

Fan Dance winter series

11 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 Skills 101 with Girls on Hills

18 – 19 / 25 – 26 January
Fort William, Glencoe

Delivered by MCI and WML qualified female guides, these two-day courses are for women seeking adventure in winter. The mountains of Scotland are breathtaking in snow, but can be dangerous. The course covers movement-skills, crampons, self-arresting using an ice-axe, avalanche awareness, and winter navigation.

Cost: £250
girlsonhills.com

Atlantic Irish Festival

18 – 22 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

The Eagle with the Sunlit Eye film screening

23 January
The Maynard, Grindleford, Peak District

Hope Valley Cinema presents, The Eagle With The Sunlit Eye, the fourth of a series of adventure film screenings at The Maynard this Winter. The White Tailed Eagle is one of the largest birds of prey on the planet. For generations, humans have struck an uneasy relationship with this apex predator. We persecuted it to extinction in Britain a century ago – and then the 1970s saw this greatest of eagles brought back to our wild edges. The return of this apex predator sparked controversy, as accusations of livestock killings quickly surfaced from Scotland’s rural community. Despite no record of predation in Norway, and with an Irish reintroduction scheme ongoing, in Scotland a war of words rages on over the future of this raptor. This film dives unflinchingly into the conflict, just as the fire burns white hot.

Cost: From £8
eventbrite.com

Winter Walk 2025

25 – 26 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 festivals happening in February

• Rombalds Stride
• Welsh Dark Skies Week
• South Downs Dark Skies Festival
• Fort William Mountain Festival
• Yorkshire Dark Skies Festival
• Winter Trail Gaeaf
• The Dartmoor Winter Traverse
• The South Pennine 24

Rombalds Stride

1 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: from £23
rombaldsstride.co.uk

Welsh Dark Skies Week

9 – 18 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

South Downs Dark Skies Festival

13 – 23 February
South Downs National Park

The South Downs Dark Skies Festival is back for 2025. Running between Thursday 13 to Sunday 23 February, the festival will feature a host of events from guided walks to stargazes. The theme this year is ‘Glimmers’ and the park invites you to become aware of the small, positive moments in our lives that don’t have to be big or dramatic but encourage feelings of happiness, contentment, peace, joy, wonder and awe all the same. The programme will celebrate the sparkling lights of the stars, planets, meteors and moon in the night sky. You can also expect encounters with nocturnal wildlife, the bioluminescence of glow worms and biofluorescence of other life.

Cost: Varies
southdowns.gov.uk/dark-skies-festival 

Fort William Mountain Festival

13 – 16 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. Lineup highlights include; record-breaking mountaineer Anna Wells, The Martin Moran Foundation, bike adventurer Lee Craigie from The Adventure Syndicate, blind climber Jesse Dufton; a brand new musical collaboration between The Storylands Sessions and Scottish Mountaineering Press, and the hugely popular BANFF mountain film festival world tour. You can also learn from renowned Sports Dietician Renee McGregor; cosy in for Bothy Tales with author, podcaster and storyteller John D Burns; escape to the Lakeland Fells with a unique and poetic spoken word performance piece, Dreamtime Fellrunner, by Dr Julie Carter, and much, much more.

Cost: Varies
mountainfestival.co.uk

Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors Dark Skies Festival

14 February – 2 March
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. It is the tenth annual festival and it invites you to see the Dales and Moors in a different light with 2025 set to bring activities like kayaking, stargazing safaris and zip wires.

Cost: Varies
darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk

Winter Trail Gaeaf

15 February
Eryri/Snowdonia

The ninth annual Winter Trail Gaeaf will lead you along the stunning tracks of the world-renowned Coed y Brenin Forest Park in Eryri. 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: £29
runcoedybrenin.com

The Winter Traverse

22 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

22 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 and South Pennines, with 3,900ft of ascent. All are welcome and soup and refreshments will be provided.

Cost: £25 for non-members
ldwa.org.uk/southpennine

Outdoor events and walking festivals happening in March

• Braemar Mountain Festival
• Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF)
• Crickhowell Walking Festival
• Cleveland Survival
• The National Outdoor Expo

Braemar Mountain Festival

6 – 9 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)

21 – 23 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

8 – 16 March
Powys

The Crickhowell Walking Festival features 83 guided walks at all levels of length and challenge, plus the TM5 Challenge on Table Mountain, which is now an established favourite. There are 16 new walks, nine linear walks, variations on familiar themes and some old favourites too, plus a fine programme of evening events so there’s something to suit you, whatever your preference. A highlight is also the popular Photo Competition and a new contest, the Sole Survivor Distance Challenge, for the person walking furthest on Festival walks over the nine days. There are prizes of high-quality boots for each winner. The festival’s chosen charity this year is SARDA – supporting the great work of the volunteers and rescue dogs.

Cost: From £7
crickhowellfestival.com

Cleveland Survival

TBC
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

22 – 23 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

Outdoor events and walking festivals happening in April

• Shropshire Way 80K Festival
• Wander Wild Festival
• Gay Outdoor Club’s Easter on Ardnamurchan
• Chepstow Walking Festival
• Walk Scilly
• Haltwhistle Walking Festival
• Ulverston WalkFest 
• Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival
• ride2stride
• The Kiltwalk

Shropshire Way 80K Festival

5 – 6 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

Wander Wild Festival

4 – 6 April
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

Gay Outdoor Club’s Easter at Corrour and Loch Ossian

4 – 7 April
Corrour, Highlands

This members-only group weekend will take you to Corrour, a remote area on the fringes of Rannoch Moor to the east of Fort William. The area includes some remote Munros and Corbetts; Beinn na Lap, Leum Ulleim, Carn Dearg and Sgor Choinnich surround the Loch and your accommodation – exclusive use of Loch Ossian Youth Hostel – will put these hills within easy reach. There are also opportunities for low level walking for those not wanting strenuous walks or in the case of poor weather. Full details available to members.

Cost: £96 (plus £17/year membership fee)
goc.org.uk

Chepstow Walking Festival

22 – 27 April
Monmouthshire

Chepstow Walking Festival returns 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

Walk Scilly

11 – 20 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

Haltwhistle Walking Festival

26 April – 5 May
Northumberland

Explore the landscape of Northumberland – from waterfalls to follies by 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

26 April – 5 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

25 April – 5 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

ride2stride

29 April – 5 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

The Kiltwalk

26 – 27 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 festivals happening in May

• Talgarth Walking Festival
• Ironbridge Walking Festival
• Colonsay Spring Fest
• Shap Outdoor Festival
• Bingley Walking Festival
• Alton Walking Festival
• Arran Mountain Festival
• Ballater Walking Festival
• Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival
• Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival
• Keswick Mountain Festival
• Guernsey Spring Walking Festival
• Malvern Walking Festival
• The Big Retreat Festival

Talgarth Walking Festival

2 – 5 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

3 – 11 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

Colonsay Spring Fest

5 – 18 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

Shap Outdoor Festival

TBC
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

5 May
Yorkshire

The 8^th 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

TBC
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

16 – 19 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

10 – 18 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 this little slice of paradise.

Cost: Free
isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

Ballater Walking Festival

17 – 23 May
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

Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival

17 May – 1 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

Keswick Mountain Festival

16 – 18 May
Lake District

Keswick Mountain Festival (KMF) is one of the UK’s best-loved and most popular events for fans of the outdoors. Founded in 2007, it brings thousands of visitors to Keswick for a weekend of immersive experiences among the famous Cumbrian fells and lakes. As always, the Festival Village in Crow Park will be the main hub at KMF, but participants in many of the activities will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape, while aspects of the event will also take place in the nearby town centre.

Cost: Varies
keswickmountainfestival.co.uk

Guernsey Spring Walking Festival

24 May – 8 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

24 May – 1 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

The Big Retreat Festival

23 – 26 May
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

Outdoor events and walking festivals happening in June

• North Wessex Downs Walking Festival
• Wrexham Walking Festival
• Quantock Hills Walking Festival
• Localsh Dirty 30
• Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival
• Herefordshire Walking Festival
• Otley Walking Festival
• Evesham Walking Festival

North Wessex Downs Walking Festival

TBC
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

Wrexham Walking Festival

7 – 15 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

TBC
Somerset

This year marks the seventh 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

7 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

TBC
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

14 – 22 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

Evesham Walking Festival

25 – 29 June
Evesham

The Evesham Walking Festival was started by Evesham Rambling Club in 2019 and 2025 marks the sixth festival. With the town’s new status of ‘Walkers Are Welcome’, the festivals are organised by Evesham Welcomes Walkers. The walks are led by members of local groups who look forward to welcoming you.

Cost: Varies
eveshamwalkfest.org.uk

Outdoor events and walking festivals happening in July

• Otley Walking Festival
• White Cliffs Ramblers Walking Week

Otley Walking Festival

28 June – 6 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

TBC
Kent

Alongside the local Ramblers, 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.

Cost: Varies
whitecliffsramblers.org.uk

Outdoor events and walking festivals happening in August

• Mendip Ramblers Free Walking Festival
• Dartmoor Walking Festival
• Kendal Walking Festival

Mendip Ramblers Free Walking Festival

TBC
Wells, Somerset

The Mendip Ramblers’ annual Walking Festival will be based in Wells, Somerset. 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 and drink and all walkers are welcome.

Cost: Varies
mendipramblers.co.uk

Dartmoor Walking Festival

29 August – 5 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
moorlandguides.co.uk

Kendal Walking Festival

22 – 25 August
Lake District

Scenic guided walks based in the beautiful South Lakes town of Kendal in association with Wellbeing Westmorland CIC. Kendal makes a superb base for those who enjoy walking. Surrounded by beautiful scenery it offers a wide variety of walking experiences. It’s a 5-minute drive into the Lake District National Park and 20 minutes from the Yorkshire Dales.

Cost: Varies
kendalwalkingfestival.co.uk

Outdoor events and walking events happening in September

• Barmouth Walking Festival
• Stonehouse Walking Festival
• Gower Walking Festival
• Richmond Walking and Books Festival
• Ross-on-Wye Walking Festival

Barmouth Walking Festival

13 – 22 September
Barmouth

During the last 20 years Barmouth Walking Festival has been encouraging visitors to experience the beauty of South Eryri on foot, guided by experienced and knowledgeable leaders. This year is no exception, offering a varied programme of walks ranging from a challenging all day hike to a walk for relaxation and mindfulness. This year also sees the return of the popular Photographic Walk and Workshop as well as our Woodland Trust walk.

Cost: Varies
barmouthwalkingfestival.co.uk

Stonehouse Walking Festival

5 – 14 September
Gloucestershire 

Did you know that the small town of Stonehouse in Gloucestershire sits alongside the restored Stroudwater Canal, the Cotswold Way and the River Frome? Or that it has a thatched cottage, a waterfall, a vineyard, and a working paper bag factory (since 1922)? There are amazing views walking in all directions, either straight up and around Doverow hill, along the canal, or across fields and woodland to other small villages. Stonehouse is mostly flat and is very accessible for all including users of mobility vehicles. There is a good variety of shops and refreshments available in town.

Cost: Varies
stonehousewalkfest.wixsite.com

Gower Walking Festival

6 – 14 September
South Wales 

The Gower Walking Festival returns in 2025, from Saturday 6th to Sunday 14th September, with nine days of over thirty glorious walks! The programme will be packed with familiar and new walks for all interests and abilities.

Cost: Varies
gowerwalkingfestival.uk

Richmond Walking and Books Festival

19 – 28 September
Yorkshire Dales 

Be inspired: meet celebrated authors, discover new ones and engage in a full programme of morning and evening book events. Be invigorated: explore the beautiful Northern Dales in autumn – enjoy daily walks for amblers, ramblers and serious walkers led by friendly guides, keen to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the Dales.

Cost: Varies
booksandboots.org

Ross-on-Wye Walking Festival

26 – 28 September
Hereforshire 

Ross is an accredited Walkers are Welcome town and the Festival reflects the friendly nature of the welcome in this largely undiscovered area of South Herefordshire. Organisers will take you off the beaten track on a real variety of gentle to medium walks aimed at all abilities – led by informed and enthusiastic people with a fount of local knowledge. Some walks have wonderful special interest themes or activities, while others just explore the natural beauty around our quirky town.

Cost: Varies
walkinginross.co.uk/festival/

Moffat Walking Festival

26 – 28 September
Dumfries and Galloway 

Discover this sensational and under-explored part of Southwest Scotland in a three-day festival at the Moffat Walking Weekend. From long-distance trails and free and easy ambles, to family-friendly adventures and treks around town there is a diverse programme of guided walks so there’s something for everyone. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Cost: Varies
walkmoffat.co.uk

Outdoor events and walking events happening in October

• Dursley Walking Festival
• Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival

Dursley Walking Festival

1 – 5 October
Gloucestershire 

With over 20 walks to choose from, whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, these guided walks will take you through the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside with plentiful highlights to enjoy.

Cost: Varies
festival.dursleywelcomeswalkers.org.uk

Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival

4 – 12 October
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 this little slice of paradise.

Cost: Free
isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

Outdoor events and walking events happening in November

• Angus Outdoor Adventure Winter Festival

Angus Outdoor Adventure Winter Festival

8 – 17 November
Fife

Explore the great outdoors this winter with the Angus Outdoor Adventure Winter Festival. Throughout the week, take advantage of a host of opportunities to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. From guided walks, mountain bike rides and winter dooks to fishing, golf and wildlife, there is something for everyone.

Cost: Varies
visitangus.com/event/angus-outdoor-adventure-winter-festival/

Outdoor events and walking events happening in December

• Plas Y Brenin Big Christmas Walk
• Christmas Day Walk

Plas Y Brenin Big Christmas Walk

14 – 16 December
Eryri/Snowdonia

You’ll have a fantastic walking holiday and learn more about Eryri/Snowdonia’s countryside. Relax in the buzzing atmosphere of Plas y Brenin, feasting after calorie-burning days on the hill with fantastic, freshly prepared food aplenty. You’ll get to pick the brains of our expert instructors about all things outdoors, and you’ll meet fellow walking enthusiasts on a Christmas break you won’t forget in a hurry!

Cost: From £205
pyb.co.uk/courses/the-big-christmas-walk/

Ramblers Christmas Day Walk

25 December
Derbyshire Dales

An eight mile circular festive stroll with the Derbyshire Dales Ramblers from Youlgreave including Robin Hood’s Stride. There will also be a shorter option of six miles – Christmas hats optional!

Cost: Members only
ramblers.org.uk

Have we missed one of your favourite outdoor events or are you hosting an upcoming event? Let us know by emailing Content Producer Francesca Donovan. If you prefer to experience the great outdoors in relative solitude, check out the walking routes across the UK that come tried, tested and recommended by our expert contributors.