It’s no secret that members of the Club enjoy nothing more than walking – in fact, it’s their number one pastime.
Whether you enjoy a walk from your pitch to the pub, a hike in the hills or a stroll to take in the local scenery, walking is a great way to keep fit, lift the spirit and, in keeping with our money-saving theme, it doesn’t cost a fortune.
As May is National Walking month, we’ve rounded up some of the best walking festivals the country has to offer (there are over 150!) to tempt you broaden your walking horizons, and they all happen to be close to a Club Site.
4–12 May
Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival
Ironbridge, Shropshire
The Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival offers nine days of free guided walks in and around the unique World Heritage Site. Walks range from three to 21 miles with themes covering a host of topics from the wonderful landscape and geology of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, to the wildlife that inhabits the gorge’s ancient woodlands.
Nearest Club Site: Ebury Hill
4 – 19 May
Isle of Wight Walking Festival
Isle of Wight
One of the UK’s longest running walking festivals, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival returns in 2019 with a programme of around 100 guided walks, of which around half are new for this year. What better way to explore the glorious coast and countryside of ‘England in Miniature’?
Nearest Club Site: Adgestone
10 – 12 May
Kendal Walking Festival
Kendal, Cumbria
Starting with a two-hour historical tour around Kendal, the town’s third walking festival features a further 15 guided walks venturing into the stunning countryside surrounding the town including a challenging 13 mile circuit (with 3700ft of ascent) of the Kentmere Horseshoe.
Nearest club Site: Kendal
17 – 19 May
Winchcombe Cotswolds Walking Festival
Winchcombe, Gloucestershire
Winchcombe, known as the walking capital of the Cotswolds, is host to this festival of guided and self-guided walks in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Walks rage from three to 14 miles, with some based on a theme.
Nearest Club Site: Winchcombe
18 – 24 May
Ballater Walking Festival
Ballater, Aberdeenshire
Whether you enjoy a gentle stroll or are a serial munro-bagger the Ballater Walking Festival promises a walk to suit you. With 18 guided walks to choose from you can explore the natural beauty of the Cairngorms surrounding the town a centre for hikers and once known for its spring water.
Nearest Club Site: Tarland by Deeside
25 – 27 May
WalkFest 2019
North York Moors
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Cleveland Way all the walks at this year’s North York Moors National Park’s walking festival are themed around the trail. Walk linear routes along the National Trail with expert guides, and enjoy dramatic moorland and coastal locations, from Sutton Bank to Scarborough.
Nearest Club Site: Slingsby & Scarborough
25 May – 2 June
Malvern Walking Festival
Malvern, Worcestershire
Choose from over 40 walks including day walks and multi day walks of six or seven days in the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Themed walks include history, wildlife, farms and brewing, archaeology.
Nearest Club Site: Blackmore
7 – 9 June
Corsham Walking Festival
Corsham, Wiltshire
This summer celebration of walking includes 27 guided walks exploring the rolling north Wiltshire countryside around Corsham. There’s a sustainability walk, Nordic walking tasters and a murder mystery walk. There are also eight free walks including a family-friendly Children’s Treasure Hunt.
Nearest Club Site: Devizes
15 – 23 June
Herefordshire Walking Festival
Various, Herefordshire
Enjoy nine days of themed walks in the beautiful south Herefordshire countryside. There’s something for everyone with walks of all lengths and difficulties covering history, farming and poetry.
Nearest Club Site: Hereford
31 August – 1 September
Corwen Walking Festival
Corwen, Denbighshire
The town’s sports pavilion is the start and finish point for the two-day programme of guided walks taking in the glorious Dee Valley and Berwyn Mountains. Enjoy family walks, full mountain days, an evening ghost walk, navigation workshop and even a pop up outdoor shop.
Nearest Club Site: Bala
28 September – 6 October
Haltwhistle Autumn Walking Festival
Haltwhistle, Northumberland
The beautiful countryside around Haltwhistle between the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Northumberland National Park is where you can enjoy nine days of guided walking.
Nearest Club Site: Haltwhistle
12 – 27 October
New Forest Walking Festival
New Forest, Hampshire
Local guides share their knowledge of the area with a programme of over 70 guided walks to help you discover more about the history, heritage and wildlife of the Forest. Booking is essential, from August onwards.
Nearest Club Site: Verwood