In the heart of the Cotswolds, the small town of Winchcombe not only has a walking festival, but also it prides itself in its Walkers are Welcome status.
Lying just six miles northeast of Cheltenham, the town of just over 5,000 attracts walkers year round. However, in May, from the 17th to the 19th, the town hosts two events and 21 walks.
The three-day festival kicks off at 9am on the Friday, with a walk with a difference; a visit to a local stables in Naunton. Â Transportation is provided, and after the stables, participants enjoy the 8.5-mile walk back to Winchcombe. Walkers should check out the link, as some of the events and walks are already sold out.
Other walks on the Friday include Langley (also involving a bus), a walk via the Indian-inspired Sezincote House, an 11-mile walk that forms part of the St Kenelm’s Way, and archaeology-inspired walk, and Crafts of the Isbourne Vale, which includes a visit to a blacksmith in Didbrook and Winchcombe Pottery. There is also an early evening walk and a dinner and quiz.
Saturday starts early for some, with a 21-mile walk, the Windrush Way and Wardens Way. Other walks include history walks, an introduction to Nordic walking, a walk along part of the newly launched River Coln Trail, a photography workshop, and a presentation on farming and wildlife.
The festival’s final day begins with a countryside awakes walk at 5am. There is a meteorite walk, and a flora walk, a pub walk, and a walk that takes in a train ride as well as a visit to a local willow artist.
