There is just so much to love about the British countryside and the colder weather shouldn’t stop you from savouring it if you want to. There’s no reason why a rural British walk can’t be every bit as enjoyable as it is in the warmer months.
If you haven’t heard of walking festivals, this could be a game-changer for you. Meeting like-minded people, you can all drink in the beautiful panoramic views together. Most walking festivals host guided walks for all different ability levels, so you should be able to find something that is right for you. There’s always the chance to organise your own walk as well. Southerly coastal routes like the ones near Taunton and Bridgwater can still be very beautiful at this time of year.
Like the sound of a sociable, pre-arranged hike? Put on your walking boots and make your way to one of these autumnal walking festivals.
YHA walking festival
3rd September-19th October, 2023
This walking festival is taking place all over England and Wales. It was a massive success last year so is now back for its second year. As part of the festival, you can get a 20% discount on 60 different youth hostels. You’ll also have access to free route maps and organised social walks.
The YHA walking festival has partnered with Ordnance Survey, Cotswold Outdoors, The Ramblers and the BMC.
There’s no minimum ability requirement to take part in the festival. YHA has planned it so that there is everything from short, easy walks to tricker 20-mile ones.
New Forest walking and cycling festival
14th-19th October
Once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror, the New Forest is now a wonderful hiking area full of open heathland, wetland and ancient woodland. The New Forest Walking and Cycling Festival offers unique opportunities to participate in guided walking and self-guided cycling tours.
There are walks of varying lengths, photography walking tours, fungi identification walks and evening wildlife walks.
The self-guided cycling tours can be done on electric or non-electric bikes, as you prefer. Various bike rental suppliers are offering discounts while the festival is running.
Alton autumn walking festival
16th-22nd October
What better excuse to see “Jane Austen Country” than participating in the Alton Walking Festival in Hampshire this year? Sitting on the cusp of the South Downs, Alton is the starting point for many a scenic jaunt.
This year, there are all sorts of different routes planned. The Alton brewery stroll, Weston Corbett and Upton Grey route and ‘Over the Hills from Selborne’ route are just a few options.
Walking in the British countryside in autumn is a wonderful way to appreciate nature before the cold weather really sets in. You can’t beat crisp air, orange leaves and a pit stop in a country pub with an open fire. With a walking festival, you can do all this while making new friends too.