Now the spring is finally here, the Walking Festival season is well and truly under way – if you love being outdoors and on foot, you will love the walks, festivities and fun on offer – Many also offer Nordic Walking tasters and guided nordic walks as well as music, local food and cultural events so why not plan a day or some of Britains finest countryside? Here are a few of our favourites ………….

Peak District walking festival 26th April – 12th May – for more info view here

Have a blast and enjoy England’s Great Outdoors at more than 100 events and walks on a wide range of themes during the Peak District Walking & Outdoor Festival, from April 26 to May 12.

Showcasing the very best of the Peak District – with the UK’s first National Park at its core – the Festival highlights the area’s wealth of wonderful landscapes, from rare moorland habitats and scenic limestone dales to attractive towns and pretty villages.

Bishops castle walking festival 11th – 13 th June – for more info view here

Set in stunning shropshire countryside this festival is a legend. This year they have a few new concepts, a geocaching lesson followed by a  geocaching walk, and by popular request, a dedicated wildflower walk .There is a wide variety of walks on offer, from 15 miles to one and a half. A wild swim is also possible. Very few of the walks will be repeated, so book early to avoid disappointment !

Jersey Spring walking week – 11th – 13th May – for more info view here

Experience a feast of food and culture as you see, smell and savour Island life. Stroll along the seaside, through woodland, country lanes and cliff top paths, all in the company of the Island’s most respected and experienced walking guides, and all free of charge. Walkers can experience a different side to the island on foot, following cliff paths and woodland trails and on some routes private access has been granted offering spectacular vistas that you wouldn’t ordinarily see in a vehicle.

Isle of Man walking Festival – 12th – 18th May – for more info view here

Situated in the Gulf Stream the Isle of Man enjoys a mild climate with stunning seasonal scenery the perfect destination for all. There are many detailed walks for all abilities from gentle glens to the challenge of the 95 mile Coastal walk.

All walks are led by experienced leaders. They are there to ensure that the correct routes are followed as well as providing interesting information on the beautiful scenic landscape, marine life (Basking Sharks and Seals) and Celtic and Viking Heritage.

The festival includes a selection of excellent evening social events for all to enjoy, with strictly Manx dancing, the Shenanigans banned, traditional folk songs with a twist, and much more, finishing the week with a farewell Blister party and a presentation to the participants of the coastal path challenge.

Lincolnshire wolds walking festival – 18th May – 2nd June – for more info view here

The Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival offers a diverse range of walks across 16 days, ranging from all-day events requiring a packed lunch to evening ambles ending at the pub! To identify which walks will suit you best, use our Walk Finder to narrow down your selection. (Walk Finder coming soon).

For most walks you can just turn up on the day (in good time!) but some walks require booking beforehand. Please contact the walk leader on the number provided as soon as you can as places are often limited. They can also provide advice about any query you may have about your selected walk.

Swanage and Purbecks walking festival 21st – 27th September – for more info view here

The beautiful Isle of Purbeck is a walker’s paradise. From coast to country, the variety is unsurpassed.

The coastal walking is spectacular. From a stroll along the beach in beautiful Victorian Swanage to a serious hike along the South West Coast Path, the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the coast is truly special. But the hinterland is extraordinary too – wonderful heathland, walking through designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, with the added attraction of sea glimpses wherever you turn.

This tranquil area of Dorset is home to many rare species of birds, wildflowers, butterflies and reptiles. Walks take in the wildlife paradise of Durlston Country Park, heathland at Studland, limestone cliffs along the coast and the RSPB reserve at Arne.

Hay on Wye walking festival – 10th – 14th October – for more info view here

The 3rd Hay Walking Festival will take place from Thursday 10th – Monday 14th October 2013. There will be a comprehensive programme with a mix of short and long walks each day, plus more family friendly walks, and more themed walks – foraging, geology, archaeology, local history. This stunning town is also designated as a ‘Walkers are welcome’ town