Anniversary Success for New Forest Walking and Cycling Festival
PUBLISHED ON: 5 DECEMBER 2022The New Forest National Park Authority has celebrated a successful decade of Walking and Cycling Festivals.
This autumn, hundreds took part in expert-guided walks and cycle rides across the National Park in the 10th anniversary of the New Forest Walking and Cycling Festival.
More than 700 people took part in 96 events across the three weeks. From fungi-finding to hidden heritage and exhilarating bike tours, the Festival had something for everyone.
Among the new events this year was a photography tour led by one of our Artists in Residence, Marie Smith, in partnership with SpudWORKS. It tied in with her exhibition: ‘We Belong Here’ and was a chance to learn about Marie’s process of working as a photographer against the backdrop of the New Forest and share her experiences of being a BAME person in nature.
Also new this year were some art-inspired events provided by Culture in Common which combined walking and ceramic making. During these immensely popular walks, people sculpted a mug, breakfast set or hanging toadstool decorations and decorated them with leaves and other natural matter found on the forest floor during the walk.
The Festival was also a great opportunity for those who wanted to explore the Forest on two wheels. A number of qualified guides led rides across the National Park’s designated cycle trails.
New Forest National Park Access Ranger Adam Vasey said: ‘For 10 years, the Festival has encouraged people of all backgrounds to get outside and enjoy the New Forest, and learn something new about its wildlife, landscapes, heritage and culture.
‘It’s fantastic to see people enjoying the New Forest’s special qualities and learning something new. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Festival such a success, and we look forward to the next one in autumn 2023.’
If you attended this year’s Walking and Cycling Festival, we would love to hear from you. Please complete our feedback survey linked here: https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/new-forest-walking-festival-2/new-forest-walking-and-cycling-festival-2022-feedback/
If you missed this year’s Festival, you can still find a range of approved walking routes and cycle trails on our website and via the New Forest Walking App:
https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/things-to-do/walking/new-forest-walks/
https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/things-to-do/cycling/cycling-routes/