The New Forest Walking Festival returns this autumn to celebrate and share the special qualities of the National Park in its 20th anniversary year.
People are invited to go behind the scenes with a variety of walks led by rangers and expert guides touching on heritage, wildlife, and connections to nature.
Walkers will discover why the New Forest is internationally important for nature and find out how they can help look after it as the Forest marks 20 years of being designated a National Park.
The 13th annual New Forest Walking Festival will run from 18 October to 2 November and feature family-friendly half-term walks; long, more challenging rambles; and plenty of accessible routes, with something for everyone.
The 2024 Festival welcomed hundreds of walkers across 35 events run by National Park Authority staff and volunteers, as well as 11 partner organisations and local experts.
New Forest National Park Authority lead access and volunteering officer, Adam Vasey, said:
‘The Walking Festival is the perfect way to explore the New Forest.
‘You might find a new favourite spot or learn something new about the rare and exciting wildlife and habitats we have here, as well as its rich culture and history.
‘Walking in nature is also great for our physical and mental wellbeing.
‘There are lots of people who work and volunteer to keep the New Forest special so it’s a great chance to meet some of them and hear why they are so passionate about what they do, especially during the 20th anniversary of the National Park.’
- Find the full events timetable and book tickets at: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/walkingfestival.
- Please remember to always follow the New Forest code when out enjoying the National Park: https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/visiting/help-care-for-the-forest/new-forest-code/.
- You can find and download walking and accessible routes through the NPA website year-round at: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/todo/walking .
- The routes are also available through the New Forest National Park Walks app, which was downloaded nearly 29,000 times last year. The app features GPS navigation to keep you on the right track even without phone signal, and a checklist so you can tick off all the walks you have completed.
