Exeter is taking its first steps towards a new annual tradition with the city’s inaugural Exeter Walking Festival, taking place from 12 to 20 September.
Organised by Wellbeing Exeter, the week-long festival will bring together residents and visitors to discover Exeter on foot through a varied programme of short group walks, walking sports, foraging walks, themed routes, and community events.
From exploring the city’s rich history and green spaces to enjoying riverside trails and neighbourhood walks, the festival aims to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get active, connect with others, and experience Exeter from a fresh perspective.
Paul Mouland from Wellbeing Exeter said that there will be something for everybody during the week.
“We’re excited to bring Exeter’s first ever walking festival to the city. Exeter is blessed with an abundance of great outdoor space, and we are looking forward to seeing people of all ages and abilities get involved in this fun event,” Mouland said.
“The week-long event will help to show how easy it is to get active through walking and a wonderful opportunity to connect with so many incredible organisations walking events and activities across the city, culminating in The Great West Walk which is being organised by our friends at Exeter City Community Trust.”
Organisers hope the festival will showcase the many benefits of walking, not only for physical and mental wellbeing, but also for supporting local communities, businesses and sustainable travel.
The full programme of walks and booking information is available here.
After the walking festival, there will be a chance for people to go again with the Exeter Chiefs Foundation Charity sponsored walk, which takes place on Saturday 26 September. The 12km route takes in sections of Exeter’s Green Circle and ends at Sandy Park where all entrants will receive a pasty and a pint, together with a free ticket to watch the first Premiership game of the season that same afternoon.
The 12km distance was chosen because it is the distance an average homeless person walks each day.
