With autumn in the air, there’s no better time to enjoy the UK’s great outdoors. The crisp breeze, the golden leaves drifting from the trees, and the vibrant colours sweeping across the countryside make autumn one of the most atmospheric seasons for walking. Whether you’re a casual stroller, a dedicated hiker, or exploring the countryside with your dog, autumn offers the perfect backdrop for scenic walks and invigorating adventures.
Across the UK, walking festivals take place in September and October, celebrating the season with themed walks, guided tours, and opportunities to explore hidden gems, historic landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes. Here’s our guide to some of the top autumn walking festivals in the UK to inspire your next getaway.
1. Dorset Walx Festival
The Dorset Walx Festival is a must-visit for anyone who loves autumn walks in the UK. The festival offers guided walks through some of the county’s most stunning autumn landscapes. From gentle 1-mile history strolls to challenging 12-mile coastal hikes, there’s something for every level. Led by local experts, the walks reveal hidden gems, scenic viewpoints, and the vibrant colours of Dorset’s countryside, making it a perfect outdoor experience for walkers, families, and dog owners alike.
2. The Sussex Walking Festival
The Sussex Walking Festival is a nine day walking event offering an impressive variety of walks. Sussex features coastlines, rolling countryside, lush woodlands, the South Downs National Park, and the High Weald National Landscape. Walks include themed experiences like the “Forest Foray,” teaching foraging for edible and medicinal plants, and “Saxons, Giants & Pharisees,” a historical exploration of the area. This festival is perfect for combining scenic walks with education and outdoor adventure.
3. The Isle of Wight Walking Festival
The Isle of Wight Walking Festival offers over 200 walks, catering to all interests and fitness levels. Highlights include fossil hunting walks, hilly treks, walks along old railway routes, relaxing short trails, and even themed walks like speed dating on foot. Autumn is a perfect time to explore the island’s coastal beauty and scenic countryside while enjoying fresh air and fun activities suitable for families and solo adventurers alike.
4. WalkNorfolk Festival
WalkNofolk Festival celebrates the Norfolk's wide open spaces, wildlife, and rich history. With a variety of guided walks led by local experts, participants can explore coastal paths, woodland trails, and historic sites while spotting autumn wildlife, including migrating birds. The festival caters to all abilities, offering short family-friendly strolls, longer countryside hikes, and themed walks focused on archaeology and nature, making it a perfect way to experience Norfolk’s scenic landscapes in the heart of autumn.
5. Walking East Yorkshire Festival
The Walking East Yorkshire Festival showcases the region’s stunning countryside, charming villages, and historic coastline, offering a variety of guided walks for all abilities. Taking place in the autumn months, the festival includes scenic riverside strolls, gentle countryside hikes, and more challenging routes across the Yorkshire Wolds. Led by knowledgeable local guides, participants can discover hidden gems, learn about local history, and enjoy the vibrant autumn colours, making it a perfect way to explore East Yorkshire on foot.
6. Herefordshire Walking Festival
The Herefordshire Walking Festival offers walkers the chance to explore the county’s rolling hills, orchards, and picturesque villages in the heart of the autumn season. With a variety of guided walks ranging from easy riverside strolls to more challenging hill climbs, the festival caters to all levels of fitness and experience. Local guides share insights into the area’s history, wildlife, and scenic viewpoints, allowing participants to fully appreciate Herefordshire’s charming countryside and vibrant autumn colours.
7. High Weald Walking Festival
The High Weald Walking Festival invites visitors to explore the stunning landscapes of this National Landscape in autumn. With a mix of guided walks for all abilities, participants can enjoy ancient woodlands, rolling hills, historic villages, and tranquil streams. Local guides provide insight into the region’s rich history, wildlife, and heritage, making each walk both scenic and educational. The festival is perfect for walkers looking to experience the natural beauty and peaceful charm of the High Weald.
8. The Somerset Coast - 80 Miles in Eight Days
The Somerset Coast – 80 Miles in Eight Days is a unique walking challenge that takes participants along the county’s stunning coastline, from the sandy beaches of Weston-super-Mare to the dramatic cliffs and estuaries of the south. Over eight days, walkers can enjoy a mix of scenic seaside paths, charming coastal towns, and peaceful nature reserves, all while experiencing the beauty of Somerset’s diverse landscapes. Guided support and local knowledge make this festival ideal for both experienced walkers and those looking to tackle a longer, memorable coastal adventure.
9. The Suffolk Walking Festival
The Suffolk Walking Festival is one of the UK’s largest and longest-running walking festivals, celebrating the landscapes, heritage, and countryside of Suffolk each May. Since its start in 2008 as the Heart of Suffolk Walking Festival, it has grown into a county-wide event with guided walks for all ages and abilities — from short family strolls to long rambles, themed history walks, and night walks — allowing people to explore areas of Suffolk they might not have seen before. Over the years it has built a loyal following, bringing walkers together to enjoy varied terrain and promoting community, exercise, and exploration.
10. The New Forest Walking Festival
The New Forest Walking Festival is an annual autumn event celebrating the landscapes, wildlife, and heritage of the New Forest National Park. Held in late October and early November, it offers guided walks for all ages and abilities — from gentle family strolls to wildlife and heritage rambles. Organised by the National Park Authority, the festival allows participants to explore the Forest’s diverse terrain, learn from expert guides, and enjoy nature while promoting wellbeing and community connection.
Holidaying in the UK Near Walking Festivals
Visitors can enjoy scenic countryside, historic towns, and coastal paths while taking part in organised walks suitable for all abilities. Staying near these festivals also provides opportunities to discover hidden gems, meet fellow walkers, and experience seasonal events and local traditions.
Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, planning a holiday around a walking festival allows travellers to connect with nature, communities, and the rich heritage of the UK in a memorable and active way.