Celebrating the best of our city with inclusive walks for all ages, abilities and interests, the Bristol Walk Fest takes place throughout May.
This popular annual festival features more than 200 walks and walking-related events and activities Nature trails, historical tours and scenic hikes combine with walking sports, art/culture routes and family-friendly strolls to provide something for everyone – whether you seek a personal challenge, enjoy a self-guided walk or simply want to get out for some fresh air and exercise.
An in-person event in the city centre on May 1 launches the festival with guest speakers discussing the benefits that walking can have on mental health. The line-up includes Taylor Moore, Rovers’ defender and host of the club’s 5k Your Way mental health initiative, along with Claire Allen, who trekked 4000 miles around the British coastline, raising 25k for homeless charities, and Orla Hennessy, founder of Girls Who Walk Bristol to tackle loneliness among young women.
Co-ordinated by Active Ageing Bristol, hosted by Age UK Bristol and with funding from the city council, most events are free; however, some do require a fee and/or prior booking. Routes are differentiated by easy, fairly easy, moderate and challenging levels.
Karen Lloyd, Bristol Walk Fest director, said: “Bristol Walk Fest is a great chance to discover something new about the city, explore a new area, or try walking for the first time. With a choice of free walks every single day of the month, you’re bound to find something to pique your interest! Printed programmes are out now; available in libraries and community centres across Bristol. We are still adding new walks to the website too, so it’s worth exploring online.”
Full information on the routes, events and booking details can be found at bristolwalkfest.com, while printed copies of the programme are available in libraries and some other local venues.