Step out during National Walking Month
May is National Walking Month.
Whether you love a weekend ramble or want a new way to get active, there’s plenty of opportunity to get involved through walking festivals.
So-called walking festivals or walking weekends are an excellent way to explore new territory without any of the hassle of navigating your surroundings; guided walks and expeditions allow you to enjoy the scenery, meet like-minded people and learn more about the area.
Most festivals have walks for all ages and abilities – you can take part in a simple, short walk or participate in a more intensive trek.
Ready to dust off your old hiking boots? Here’s some of the best walking festivals taking place in May and June.
North York Moors WalkFest – 27 – 29 May 2017
If you need something to do for the spring Bank Holiday, look no further. This weekend walking festival has a number of guided and themed walks to choose from where you can learn about everything from archaeology to wildlife and conservation on the Moors.
Malvern Walking Festival – 27 May – 4 June 2017
See the best of Elgar Country during the nine-day Malvern Walking Festival. There are dozens of short and long walks around the Malvern Hills; you can join themed history walks or simply take a ramble through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region.
South Downs Way Annual Walk – 9 – 17 June 2017
The South Downs Way Annual Walk is one of the oldest walking festivals in the country, spanning an incredible 100 miles along the South Downs Way National Trail. It’s a supported rather than guided walk, so everyone is free to go at their own pace. Don’t worry though if you don’t want to do the entire trail; walkers are welcome to come along and do a single section on a day trek instead.
Herefordshire Walking Festival – 17 – 25 June 2016
This nine-day walking festival is the perfect way to explore the stunning landscapes in Herefordshire and the programme boasts a huge range of hikes, from easy guided walks that move at a gentle pace to challenging guided walks where your fitness will be tested. If you’re new to the area try the Wye Valley walk – it’s one of the most popular long distance footpaths.
Will you go out hiking this summer? Let us know your favourite trails in the comments below!
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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