Alton Walking Festival launched on Wednesday 1st May and will continue until Friday 31st May 2024. Now in its 12th year, the Alton Walking Festival is a welcoming and inclusive event tailored to avid hikers, leisurely strollers, and curious adventurers of all ages. It presents an excellent opportunity for both locals and visitors to connect with like-minded individuals, explore the town and its surrounding villages, and experience the stunning Hampshire countryside teeming with wildlife and steeped in cultural heritage.
The Festival hosts a wide variety of walks led by knowledgeable volunteer walk leaders, offering an extensive programme of routes to suit all abilities. Whether you’re looking for a shorter stroll, a day long hike or themed walks including Foraging, Bat Walks, Walking Challenges and Town Walks, there is definitely a walk for you. Spider Walks are an exciting addition for 2024. Participants will utilise public transport to begin a long-distance walk, retracing their steps back to Alton on foot. For younger children they will be able seek out fairy-tale characters and listen to stories in Alton School woods and have a family toddle in Flood meadows.
New to The Walking Festival 2024, Walk Alton have devised a discount scheme, with a number of local businesses, including Slush Truck, Dill, Capra Espresso, Hermanos Mexican, Rose and Crown, Cassidy’s Bar, The Three Horseshoes, Esquires Coffee, Alton, Bluebell Cake House, Goldfinch Books, Fill Up Alton, Outdoor Scene Camping and Leisure and South Downs Roastery who are offering a discount to anyone joining a festival walk. Walk leaders will hand out a small card to every walker, this card will entitle them to a specified discount (each business offering something different), that can be used at six business up until 15th June.
Alton Town Council is extremely grateful to Walk Alton, all the committed local volunteer groups and walking enthusiasts who have put together a programme to promote, share and showcase Alton, without whose support the walking festival would not be possible.
Alton Town Council would like to thank this year’s sponsors; Alton School, Capra Espresso and Energique Fitness and Wellness Centre, and South Western Railway for their continued support.
All walks need to be booked in advance. For further details on the walks available and to book please visit website www.walkalton.ork.uk or email . Alton Town Council have also produced a guide listing all of the walks which are available from various locations in Alton and surrounding areas.
Councillor Annette Eyre, Town Mayor of Alton said:
“It is a pleasure to kick start the annual walking festival in its 12th year. This festival gives opportunities for all ages, most abilities and even four-legged companions, to explore and enjoy the beautiful countryside that encompasses Alton. The variety of the walks and the comprehensive knowledge of the guides walking with you will enhance the appreciation of our beautiful Town Alton and surrounding view. Put your boots on and pack a mac and enjoy.”
Clare Allen, Chair of Walk Alton said:
“All walks need to be booked in advance. For further details on the walks available and to book please visit website www.walkalton.ork.uk or email . Alton Town Council have also produced a guide listing all of the walks, which are available from various locations in Alton and surrounding areas.”
Ben Adams, Capra Espresso said:
“Capra Espresso is honoured to be sponsoring Alton Walking Festival 2024. It’s such a great event that raises awareness of the beautiful walks right here on our doorstep and the positive impact walking has on our health.”
Amy Sperring, Energique
“As a local fitness and Wellness Centre, Alton we are proud to sponsor this years walking festival. Exercise is not just for physical wellness but an important part to play in mental health. Whether it’s a 2 mile walk or 20 mile walk everything counts. Energique wish all the walkers the best of luck and hope the sun shines on you all over the next few weeks.”
Mr Reeve, Alton School Headmaster.
“We are delighted to be sponsoring the Town Council’s Walking Festival in May. Encouraging outdoor exploration and community engagement aligns closely with our values, and we are honoured to support this initiative. We look forward to hosting a walk with the amazing Pumpkin Pantos on the 18th May.”