Join us this October to discover why Alton’s Walking Festival is simply the best!
Bookings Open on 15th September…Following the resounding success of the May Walking Festival, Alton Town Council and Walk Alton are delighted to announce the return of its much-loved Autumn Walking Festival, taking place from 13th to 19th October 2025. This year’s autumn festival promises to bring back some of the most popular walks from the May event, offering participants another chance to experience the breath-taking beauty of Alton and its surrounding countryside during the vibrant autumn season.
Alton Town Mayor, Annette Eyre said:
“It is with great excitement that we launch this year’s Autumn Walking Festival — a celebration of the joy of walking together and the beauty of Alton and its surrounding countryside. This year’s programme brings you a specially curated selection of some of the most popular walks from May’s festival, offering another fantastic opportunity to explore the outdoors. So, lace up your walking boots and get ready for a wonderful week of adventure!”
I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to our sponsors for their generous support, without which this festival would not be possible. A special thank you also goes to Walk Alton and to all the walk leaders, whose time, enthusiasm, and dedication make this event such a success. On behalf of Alton Town Council, we are truly grateful for your commitment to creating such a memorable experience for our community and visitors alike.”
Jane Austen 250
2025 marks 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen, one of Hampshire’s most treasured literary icons. Special walks will trace her life and legacy in Alton and nearby Chawton, where she lived and wrote her most beloved novels. Participants can explore the landscapes that inspired Jane Austen and gain insight into the world that shaped her writing.
Rail 200 – Celebrating 200 Years of Railway History
This year’s festival also joins in celebrating Rail 200, marking 200 years since the inception of the modern railway. Alton’s own rich railway heritage will be highlighted through themed walks. These routes will delve into the history of the local railway and its importance to the development of Alton and rural Hampshire.
Simply the Best of Alton’s Walks
The Autumn Walking Festival will feature a curated selection of the top walks that captivated attendees in May. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a casual stroller, there is something for everyone. A few festival highlights include:
The Historic Alton Trail: A guided walk and talk tour around Alton visiting places of interest which are historic sites in Alton connected with the English Civil War.
Literary Walk:
Following in the footsteps of Jane Austen and the places she visited in the heart of Alton.
Alton Lost Railways:
Explore the route of the Basingstoke and Alton Light Railway from Cliddesden to the section of Dismantled Railway at Swallick.
Wind & Water: Wildlife of Alton:
A bird and wildlife watching walk about King’s Pond and the nearby Windmill Hill.
Holybourne and the Froyle:
This walk follows a hilly route down country lanes, off-road tracks and footpaths. We will cross through a mixture of open farmland, woodlands and some quiet country roads.
The festival is not just about walking; it’s about celebrating the community and natural beauty of the region. Each walk is guided by local experts who are eager to share their knowledge of the area.
With its carefully selected routes and the crisp, colourful backdrop of autumn, the Alton Autumn Walking Festival is set to be the perfect way to experience the best of Hampshire. Whether you missed out in May or simply can’t get enough of Alton’s stunning landscapes, this festival is not to be missed.
To join the mailing list, for updates about Alton’s Walking Festivals, please complete the ‘Register Your Interest Form’ on Alton Town Council’s website https://www.alton.gov.uk/alton-walking-festival/. If you have previously registered there is no need to again.
Thank you very much to this year’s Autumn Walking Festival Sponsor Alton Place.
Alton Place said:
“At Alton Place, we are committed to creating caring communities and supporting initiatives that bring people together and celebrate the great outdoors. We are proud to sponsor the Alton Walking Festival 2025, which promotes personal well-being and community spirit through the simple, yet powerful, act of walking in the stunning Hampshire countryside.”