Where will you go next? It’s time to put a date in your diary for this year’s festival!
This year’s celebration of the High Weald National Landscape runs from Saturday 13th September to Sunday 21st September. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s event.
What to Expect
The High Weald Walking Festival is now in its eighth year offering FREE guided walks for everyone from wellbeing strolls to long-distance hikes, all led by experienced, knowledgeable guides who all know the hidden gems of the landscape. Plus free, self-guided walks for the independent walker.
With a heavily wooded landscape that boasts over 2,500km of public rights of way across Kent, Sussex and Surrey, you’ll explore the beauty of the High Weald National Landscape from great estates to ancient forests, steep climbs, nature reserves and breathtaking views.
New for 2025
Over 40 walks are already confirmed (with more to come) and this year, we’re delighted to have new partners and walk leaders join the festival. Here’s a taster:
- Ecology walks – learn more about key habitats with Naturalist Michael Blencowe and Ashdown Forest’s Countryside Manager, Ash Walmsley
- Walking for Health Walks led by TCV – The Conservation Volunteers
- Swimming in Wine or Gin? A Mayfield walk with a mysterious title that still needs you to bring your own lunch and drinks.
- Plus…ancient ridgeways & chestnut trees, Winnie the Pooh, follies and more.
Who’s Leading Walks This Year?
We’re still completing the programme which will include walks for every ability. Our confirmed partners so far include:
- Buchan Country Park
- Ashdown Forest Conservators
- Hastings Country Park
- Kent Wildlife Trust
- Forestry England – Bedgebury Pinetum
- Sussex Wildlife Trust
- Worth Abbey
- RSPB – Broadwater Warren
- Battle Health Walks
- Hop Pickers’ Line Heritage Group
- Kent & Sussex Railway in partnership with Tenterden Footpaths Group
- Tenterden & District History Society
