This year’s festival boasts a 16-day programme and offers over 70 walks across 350 miles of Suffolk’s beautiful landscapes. With lots of weekend, evening and family walks. The programme has accessible, short, medium, long-distance walks, and more challenging walks – so there is something for everyone.
From learning about the ancient tradition of ‘Beating the Bounds’ to exploring the heart of The Brecks with its gorse-covered sandy chalk soils characterised by purple heathland, tall pines and rare wildlife, this year’s festival appeals to a wide range of individuals.
There is a range of shorter urban strolls, and for those looking to stretch their legs, several spectacular riverside walks and valley yomps. Also returning this year are ever the popular Walk n’ Water River trips with a boat in Sudbury; an exclusive walk with Sweep the sheepdog on Orford Ness; a twilight safari in an ancient woodland; and the intriguing stories of ancient smugglers and shipping routes on Dunwich Heath.
Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding, said:
“The Suffolk Walking Festival returns more diverse than ever in its 15th year since beginning, holding its title as one of the longest running festivals of its kind in the UK.
“We see the festival grow in popularity year after year, so don’t delay in grabbing your tickets for one or more of the exciting walks planned.
“The festival highlights some of Suffolk’s most beautiful locations so it’s a great way to explore, get active and meet others doing the same.”
The festival kicks off at Thornham Walks on Saturday 13 May with refreshments and 5 launch jaunts. It then runs every day until 28 May.
Visit www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk for more details on the programme, to sign up to newsletters, and to buy tickets.
