Popular New Forest Walking Festival returns for autumn 2024
PUBLISHED ON: 9 OCTOBER 2024The New Forest National Park Authority’s 12th annual Walking Festival returns in 2024 to offer a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the area’s wonderful wildlife, landscapes, and communities.
The event will run for two weeks from 19 October until 3 November and include the school half term holiday, with dozens of sessions taking place against a stunning autumnal backdrop.
Forest experts, such as National Park rangers and nature reserve wardens from the New Forest National Park Authority, Forestry England, and RSPB will lead guided sessions. Numerous walks are free to join.
Dusk walks and wildlife adventures are set to wow the senses this spooky season alongside events that showcase the area’s heritage, culture, and natural showstoppers.
There will be an introduction to Nordic Walking, a series of ever-popular fungi educational walks, and a chance to learn about commoning. There is also an opportunity to join routes with the Rambler’s New Forest group. Family-friendly and dog-friendly events will take place throughout the fortnight.
Hundreds of organised walks have led thousands of people through the Forest’s marvels since the first Walking Festival in 2013. Around 500 people joined sessions offered as part of the Festival in 2023.
Participants in 2024 will be offered an in-depth behind the scenes look at the Forest’s legacy, its internationally important natural environment, and the people who live and work in it.
People of all abilities and interests are welcome at Walking Festival events with a variety of routes offering something for everybody.
The New Forest NPA’s access and volunteering officer, Adam Vasey, said:
‘The Walking Festival is a fantastic way to get out into the Forest and see what it has to offer.
‘There are lots of people working hard behind the scenes to keep the Forest special, and the Festival is a great way to meet them and discover more about the National Park.
‘You can explore an area you’ve never visited, spot rare fungi on a wildlife walk, or take a stroll out with a local ranger to learn about their role in caring for the New Forest.’
Book your tickets today and see the full timetable of events at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/walkingfestival.
Walkers can download self-guided routes online (www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/walks). They can also use our free app to discover 40 routes straight to their phones with GPS navigation. The app works without phone signal, so is the perfect companion to explore the Forest.
More events will be added to the Walking Festival calendar as they are confirmed. People interested in attending an event can find them listed here.