High Weald Walking Festival draws hundreds of people

Stay tuned for next year’s dates!

What a fantastic time we had at this year’s High Weald Walking Festival – huge thanks to everyone who came out to explore this historic landscape with us!

Walkers from across the South East and beyond learned about the area’s rich history and archaeology, spotted rare bird and insect species, enjoyed sweeping vistas and tranquil ancient woodland – and even made some new friends along the way.

Volunteer leaders from a host or organisations hosted more than 600 walking sessions from Saturday 7 to Sunday 15 September; our highest numbers since the Festival began in 2018.

We were blessed with mostly good weather, with some particularly fine and bright days in the middle of the week (which always helps!).

If you came out for a walk and haven’t already completed our quick online feedback form, please do let us know how you got on using our short online feedback form. It will help us plan an even better event for next year: https://www.highwealdwalks.org/feedback.

Thanks also go to the many organisations and individuals who gave their time to lead a walk this year; we really couldn’t do it without you:

  • William Robinson Gravetye Charity
  • Ashdown Forest Conservators
  • RSPB – Broadwater Warren
  • Forestry England – Bedgebury Pinetum
  • Michael Blencowe
  • Worth Abbey Estate
  • Kent High Weald Partnership
  • Hop Pickers’ Line Heritage Group
  • Wealden District Council
  • Battle Health Walks
  • Buchan Country Park
  • Tenterden Footpaths Group and Kent & East Sussex Railway
  • Tenterden & District Local History Society
  • Maidstone Ramblers
  • West Kent Walking Group

Thanks again from The High Weald Walking Festival Team  (High Weald Walkers, Battle Ramblers, Mid Sussex Ramblers, Rother Ramblers and the High Weald National Landscape Partnership) and see you in 2025!

About the High Weald Walking Festival

The High Weald Walking Festival offers FREE guided and self-guided walks for all, every September. Whether you’re a newbie, looking to graduate from health walks or a seasoned hiker, there’s a walk for you.

​Now in its 7th year, the event is a collaboration between several local branches of the Ramblers and the High Weald National Landscape Partnership.

The Festival aims to help walkers of all abilities explore and learn about the historic and beautiful High Weald landscape. Participants are led by experienced and knowledgeable guides from a range of organisations with a passion for the countryside.

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