Alton’s Autumn Walking Festival returns from Monday 12 to Sunday 18 October 2026, offering 22 guided walks through the town, surrounding villages and Hampshire countryside. As of 25 September, eleven walks are fully booked, while eleven still have places available.
Now in its seventh year, the autumn festival brings back a handpicked selection of popular walks from the May programme. The week offers everything from two-mile town tours to a 17-mile walk from Farnham to Alton, giving residents and visitors plenty of ways to explore on foot.
History lovers can join the Alton Town Guides’ Civil War Walk on Tuesday 13 October or Town Walk on Saturday 17 October. Those drawn to local stories can discover Jane Austen’s Alton on Thursday 15 October or take Around the back of Alton on Friday 16 October. Countryside walks with places still available include Bentworth Circular, Four Marks to Alton – a longer way, Hawkley, East Tisted and Newton Valence, and Farmland and Woods around West Meon.
Alton Town Council would like to thank this year’s sponsors for their generous support, Newbury Building Society, Aroncorp and Medstead Physical Health. A special thank you also goes to Walk Alton and to all the walk leaders and back markers, whose time, enthusiasm, and dedication make this event such a success.
Headline Sponsor Newbury Building Society said:
‘Newbury Building Society is proud to be the headline sponsor of this year’s Alton Walking Festival. The Walking Festival is a fantastic celebration of Alton’s community, as well as the beautiful surrounding countryside we have on our doorstep – we’re delighted to play a part in bringing people together to enjoy it.”
Gold Sponsor Aroncorp said:
“Aroncorp’s twenty beautiful new homes at Chapel Gardens and Providence Place off Anstey Lane are not only perfectly located for Alton’s Autumn Walking Festival but also anywhere you might want to reach in the town. From Alton station, to food retailers, fitness centres and miles of glorious country walks, a short stroll from our traditionally-built 2, 3 and 4-bedroom houses connects you with all of this.”
Walkers interested in a fully booked walk can join its waiting list, as places may become available through cancellations. Please check each walk’s pace and details before booking. https://bookwhen.com/aawf2026