Preparations are in full flow for the 2026 festival which takes place this year from Saturday 5th September to Sunday 13th September. There will be lots of the usual favourites. There will be the opportunity to walk the Greensand Ridge on the second weekend. This runs over 2 days to cover the full 40 miles. Walkers are welcome to walk on one or both days. There will also be the opportunity to walk and sail with the John Bunyan Boat. We are also hoping to host a bat walk one evening – subject to suitable weather, as the bats, like humans, generally prefer dry weather!
Exploring Bedford and beyond
There will be an opportunity to explore parts of Bedford with the Bedford Town Guides and the Victorian Cemetery on Foster Hill Road, Bedford with the Friends of Bedford Cemetery. We are delighted to have the support of Marston Vale again this year. So if you want to explore the Marston Vale area and the work being done this is a great way to see the regeneration being carried out and how our woods are managed.
Walks for all abilities
The four Bedfordshire Ramblers Groups will be hosting a variety of walks throughout the 9 days. These walks will be of varying lengths from short morning and afternoon walks to all day walks and short gentle strolls. Well-being walks also feature across the county for those wishing to explore the country gently on short walks. Ideal for those wishing to see if walking is for them or for those unable to walk for 5 miles! For those with a historical or industrial interest look out for the special interest walks!
Other walking groups from within Bedfordshire and across our borders will be hosting events as well. All events will start in Bedfordshire, so why not take the time to explore our beautiful county in more depth? We hope there will be something for everyone!
Find out more
Full details of the walks can be found at https://www.bedswalkfest.co.uk/walks.php. Please bear in mind that this programme is evolving and walks are being added all the time – so keep checking back for the latest entries. Check out our Facebook page too, which comes alive in August – just search for Bedfordshire Festival of Autumn Walks. Most events are free and don't need booking, so why not fill your boots!
We look forward to meeting you on a walk soon.
Sandra Kelsey – Bedfordshire Ramblers Publicity Officer
