Take a look at the list below for walking events including Ramblers national walking festivals coming up in 2012 or use our Group Walks Finder to find details of regular local walks organised by Ramblers volunteers.
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
October
November
December
January
The Outdoors Show
12-15 January 2012 – London ExCel, London
Check out the latest gear, plan a trip, try a new activity, listen to talks from the experts or find out about a career in the outdoors. The Ramblers will be on stand OU550 and you can also catch us on the main stage for the Walk magazine Walk Awards and talks from Ramblers walking expert Des de Moor.
More info: www.theoutdoorsshow.co.uk
February
Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal bicentenary
10 February 2012 – Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, Brecon Beacons
The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal celebrates the 200th anniversary of its opening and the joining of the Monmouthshire and Brecknock & Abergavenny Canals this year. To mark the occasion, 20 churches along the canal corridor will be ringing their bells on Friday 10 February between 12 noon and 7pm, making it an ideal day to walk along the towpath.
More info: www.breconbeacons.org
Hamish Fulton: Walk
15 February - 29 April 2012 – Ikon Gallery, Birmingham
Since walking from Duncansby Head to Land’s End in 47 days in 1973, walking artist Hamish Fulton has only made art as the result of his walking experiences. A decade after his last museum show at the Tate Britain, Hamish Fulton will be showing a selecting of works at the Ikon Gallery including those inspired by walks during a successful expedition to Mount Everest.
More info: www.ikon-gallery.co.uk
March
The 50+ Show
2-3 March 2012 – Manchester Central, Manchester
The 50+ Show, Britain’s biggest show for active over 50s, travels to Manchester, London and Glasgow in 2012. The show is an opportunity to find out about and try new activities and interests with seminars and demonstrations on everything from yoga to travel. Come and see us at the London show to talk about all things walking.
More info: www.50plusshow.com
April
Literature Wales: Literary Adventures Across Wales
April - October 2012 – Wales
Literature Wales’ 2012 events programme includes literary outings on foot in the Usk and Llanthony Valleys, around the coastal towns of Bangor and Tenby (including nearby Caldey Island) and in the village of Manafon, Powys, much loved by the poet R.S Thomas. Each walk is led by experts who will illuminate the literary highlights along the way.
More info: www.literaturewales.org
North Norfolk Coast Earth Day
19 April 2012 – Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk
Deepdale Backpackers & Camping, an eco-friendly hostel & campsite in Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk, are hosting their biannual North Norfolk Coast Earth Day in April. The event is aimed at both individuals and businesses and offers the opportunity to learn more about sustainability, from conservation and energy efficiency to eco-friendly building materials and renewable technologies.
More info: www.deepdalefarm.co.uk/earthday
80th anniversary of the Mass Trespass on Kinder Scout
24-29 April 2012 – London and the Peak District
The Mass Trespass on Kinder Scout took place on 24 April 1932. It was a pivotal event in the history of the fight for the Right to Roam and a catalyst for the formation of the Ramblers. To mark the 80th anniverary of this milestone event a number of activities and celebrations will be taking place including the Kinder 80 Festival in the Peak District.
More info: Find out what's going on for Kinder 80
Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival
28 April - 6 May 2012 – Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
This week-long walking festival, which celebrates the stunning scenery of the Jurassic Coast and Isle of Purbeck, will offer a varied programme for walkers of all ages, abilities and interests. Walks will vary in length, taking in coastal paths, heathland, idyllic Dorset villages and iconic landmarks such as Corfe Castle and Old Harry Rocks.
More info: www.walkswanage.com
May
Ramblers event: The Big Welsh Coastal Walk
5-6 May 2012 – Wales
A series of Ramblers Cymru walks will be held over the weekend of the 5-6 May to celebrate the launch of the Wales Coast Path on 5 May. A number of charities will be holding walks and you can also use our Group Walks Finder to find out about walks organised by Ramblers volunteers. Join in and you could be part of a world record attempt for the largest mass walk.
More info: Find out what's going on for the Big Welsh Coastal Walk
Ramblers event: Coast for Most Weekend
5-6 May 2012 – Nationwide
In support of the launch of the Wales Coast Path and our ongoing campaign for coastal access, we're encouraging walkers to join seaside walks over the Bank Holiday weekend. Ramblers volunteers will be putting on coastal walks across England and Scotland (those in Wales will be part of the Big Welsh Coastal Walk) – take a look at the Group Walks Finder for walks near you.
More info: Find out what's going on for Coast for Most weekend
Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival
5-13 May 2012 – Ironbridge, Shropshire
The Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival will offer around 30 free guided walks in and around the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site in Shropshire with themed outings suitable for families as well as more challenging walks for seasoned hikers. Places on the walks are limited so email the Ironbridge Visitor Information Centre at tic@ironbridge.org.uk to reserve a place.
More info: www.visitironbridge.co.uk
Isle of Wight Walking Festival
5-20 May 2012 – Isle of Wight
Walkers will be able to choose from over 300 countryside and coastal walks for all abilities during the Isle of Wight Waling Festival. Highlights include a non-stop round-inland race covering 72 miles, a speed dating walk, Nordic walking events and fossil hunting outings. Wightlink will have special offers on ferry tickets for foot passengers during the festival.
More info: www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk
Vale of Glamorgan Walking Festival
11-13 May 2012 – Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
The Vale of Glamorgan, which lies between the Gower and Cardiff on the Welsh coast, will be a hive of walking activity from 11-13 May as walkers take to this area of fertile, rolling lowland countryside adjoining the spectacular Heritage Coast to explore its footpaths, country lanes and villages. Full day outings as well as family-friendly walks will be available during the festival.
More info: www.valeofglamorganwalkingfestival.org.uk
Garstang Walking Festival
11-20 May 2012 – Garstang, Lancashire
The Garstang Walking Festival is an opportunity to explore the countryside surrounding the Lancashire town which includes the Wyre villages, the Lancaster Canal and the Forest of Bowland AONB. Walks will range from easy one-hour strolls to full day outings. A full programme can be downloaded or ordered on the Visit Wyre website.
More info: www.visitwyre.co.uk
Chesterfield Area Walking Festival
12-20 May 2012 – Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Explore the Chesterfield area on foot on one of 55 walks over the course of nine days. Highlights include walks in the Linacre Valley and in and around Hardwick Hall, Bolsover Castle and Sutton Scarsdale Hall and you can also take on the a 34-mile Chesterfield Round Walk. Programmes are available from the Chesterfield Tourist Information Centre.
More info: www.chesterfieldwalkingfestival.co.uk
Prestatyn and Clwydian Range Walking Festival
18-20 May 2012 – Prestatyn and Clwydian Range, North Wales
The first in a series of four walking festivals in North Wales coordinated by Visit Wales and Tourism Partnership North Wales, the Prestatyn and Clwydian Range Walking Festival will offer 3 days of walks centring on the Clwydian Range AONB. Highlights include walks along the famous Offa’s Dyke.
More info: www.prestatynwalkingfestival.co.uk
Winchcombe Walking Festival
18-20 May 2012 – Winchcombe, Gloucestershire
The Winchcombe Walking Festival is an annual long weekend of walks organised by Ramblers volunteers in Gloucestershire. Centred around the historic town of Winchcombe in the heart of the Cotswolds, the festival makes the most of the town’s Walkers are Welcome status and takes in the local trails such as the 42 mile Winchcombe Way.
More info: www.winchcombewelcomeswalkers.com
Caithness & Sutherland Walking Festival
19-27 May 2012 – Caithness & Sutherland
The 9th annual Caithness & Sutherland Walking Festival features a programme of activities and walks ranging from wildlife watching to led walks. The walks will cover a variety of terrain from riverside and coastal paths to woodland and moorland areas and there will also be heritage trails and rambles covering local folklore on offer.
More info: northhighlandsscotland.com
Swaledale Festival
19 May - 3 June 2012 – Yorkshire Dales
Combining music, arts and walking, the fortnight-long Swaledale Festival will offer a variety of expert-led walks. Themed walks will look at lead mining, geology, wild flowers and birds, foraging and archaeology in the Yorkshire Dales, whilst the Walk with Musical Interludes – a festival highlight – will feature a mystery route with musicians performing along the way.
More info: www.swaledale-festival.org.uk
National Forest Walking Festival
19-31 May 2012 – Midlands
Centering around the National Forest, a unique environmental project in the Midlands, the 5th annual National Forest Walking Festival will feature 80 varied walks including those organised by the Derby & South Derbyshire, East Staffordshire, and Loughborough Ramblers Groups. New for this year are a night walk and a photography walk.
More info: www.thenationalforestwalkingfestival.org.uk
Suffolk Walking Festival
19 May - 10 June 2012 – Suffolk
Explore the villages and undulating landscape of inland Suffolk on one of 30 guided walks ranging from short 2-3 miles up to 14 miles. The festival will also feature a five-day, 70 mile "Flatford to the Fens" challenge with opportunities for overnight stays throughout the route. All festival walks should be pre-booked by contacting the Tourist Information Centre in Bury St Edmunds.
More info: www.discoversuffolk.org.uk
Ramblers event: Get Walking for the Games Weekend
26-27 May 2012 – Nationwide
The Ramblers’ National Get Walking Day expands to a weekend of walks inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games which take place in the capital from July to September. The weekend is designed to encourage more people across the country to enjoy the many benefits of walking.
More info: Group Walks Finder
Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival
26 May - 10 June 2012 – Lincolnshire Wolds, Lincolnshire
The eighth annual Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival will feature over 80 walks in the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the surrounding countryside. Walks are led by knowledgeable and experienced local guides with themed walks and outings for different ability levels on offer during the festival.
More info: www.woldswalkingfestival.co.uk
June
Llanelli Festival of Walks
1-4 June 2012 – Carmarthenshire
Organised by the Llanelli Ramblers Group, the festival will offer 18 walks to suit all abilities. The festival aims to promote the many opportunities for walking in the region and the importance of protecting the countryside and footpaths near Llanelli. Booking forms and a full programme of walks will be available on the group’s website.
More info: www.llanelliramblers.org.uk
Wild Lochaber Festival
1-9 June 2012 – Fort William, Scottish Highlands
Home to the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and a designated Geopark, walkers need little persuasion to visit Lochaber. New for 2012 however, an official Wild Lochaber Festival will be celebrating the scenery and wildlife of this area of the Scottish Highlands with guided wildlife tours, scenic walks and informative talks all on offer.
More info: www.outdoorcapital.co.uk
Anglesey Festival of Walks
2-17 June 2012 – Anglesey, North Wales
The second in a series of four walking festivals in North Wales coordinated by Visit Wales and Tourism Partnership North Wales, the Anglesey Festival of Walks will mainly consist of coastal walks in celebration of the launch of the Welsh Coast Path. In 2012 the festival will have a particular focus on walks for families and school children.
More info: www.angleseywalkingfestival.com
Bishop's Castle Walking Festival
12-14 June 2012 – Bishop's Castle, Shropshire
Run entirely by volunteers, the Bishop’s Castle Walking Festival is an opportunity to explore the Shropshire Hills AONB. The festival includes moderate and longer walks as well as those at a more leisurely pace. There is also the opportunity to try some wild swimming. Walks cost from £9 per person per day.
More info: www.walkingfestival.co.uk
Walk the Stanza Stones
16 and 19 June 2012 – Oxenhope and Ilkley, West Yorkshire
Six new poems by contemporary writer Simon Armitage have been carved onto stones along the Pennine Watershed to form a permanent Poetry Trail. Guided walks to view the “Stanza Stones”, whose verses were inspired by the local landscape, will be taking place during the Ilkley Literature Festival and there is also a trail guide to help independent walkers enjoy the 47-mile route.
More info: www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk
Herefordshire Walking Festival
16-24 June 2012 – Herefordshire
The 10th Herefordshire Walking Festival will feature 44 led-walks of varying length, difficulty and theme. Walkers will have the opportunity to feast on Herefordshire produce courtesy of local farms, explore areas which have served as film settings and walk sections of long-distance routes such as the Three Castles Walk. Walks must be booked in advance.
More info: visitherefordshire.co.uk
July
Ramblers event: Summer Evening Walks Festival
1-31 July 2012 – Nationwide
A new festival for 2012, which aims to make the most of longer days – and hopefully warm and dry weather – during the month of July. Ramblers volunteers will be organising short, easy and family-friendly walks that can be fitted in after work – look out for details of walks near you in the Group Walks Finder.
More info: Group Walks Finder
Conwy Walking Week
4-11 July 2012 – Conwy, North Wales
The third in a series of four walking festivals in North Wales coordinated by Visit Wales and Tourism Partnership North Wales, the Conwy Walking Week sees a varied programme of walks from professional walk leaders. The festival will take full advantage of the scenery of this coastal county and the historic walled town of Conwy itself.
More info: www.conwy.gov.uk
The 50+ Show
12-14 July 2012 – London Olympia, London
The 50+ Show, Britain’s biggest show for active over 50s, travels to Manchester, London and Glasgow in 2012. The show is an opportunity to find out about and try new activities and interests with seminars and demonstrations on everything from yoga to travel. Come and see us at the London show to talk about all things walking.
More info: www.50plusshow.com
August
Sandwell Six Towns Challenge Walk
26 August 2012 – Sandwell, West Midlands
The Sandwell Ramblers and Sandwell Council have come together to hold their third annual challenge event taking in the six towns of the Sandwell Metropolitan Borough. Participants can either walk or run a choice of 26, 18 and 14 mile routes passing through country parks, open spaces and along the area’s extensive canal system.
More info: www.sandwellramblers.org.uk
October
Snowdonia Walking Festival
12-14 October 2012 – Snowdonia, North Wales
The last in a series of four walking festivals in North Wales coordinated by Visit Wales and Tourism Partnership North Wales, the Snowdonia Walking Festival will feature half and full-day guided walks at varying altitudes, allowing walkers to explore the scenery of the Snowdonia National Park at all levels.
More info: eventsnorthwales.co.uk
Ramblers event: A Walk in the Woods Week 2012
27 October – 4 November 2012
This popular annual festival is designed to promote British woodland and support our on-going campaign to keep these areas open to public access. Look out for more details coming soon!
More info: Find out what's going on for A Walk in the Woods Week 2012
November
The 50+ Show
9-10 November 2012 – SECC, Glasgow
The 50+ Show, Britain’s biggest show for active over 50s, travels to Manchester, London and Glasgow in 2012. The show is an opportunity to find out about and try new activities and interests with seminars and demonstrations on everything from yoga to travel. Come and see us at the London show to talk about all things walking.
More info: www.50plusshow.com
December
Ramblers event: Festival of Winter Walks
22 December 2012 - 6 January 2013 – Nationwide
Britain’s biggest walking festival will see hundreds of winter-themed walks on offer, from short ambles to more challenging outings which can kick start those New Year resolutions. The walks are a great way to stay active and spend time in the outdoors with friends and family during the festive season. Details of walks will be added to the Group Walks Finder.
More info: Find out what's going on for the Festival of Winter Walks
Your events
If you are an event organiser and would like to have your event listed here please email us with the event details and a brief description.
Please note that as the Ramblers is a registered charity, we are unable to promote fundraising events or sponsored walks except as part of an agreed partnership.
