Get Your Boots On! It's That Time Again.

What leaves 24 million footprints, uncovers hidden treasures and touches every corner of Suffolk every May? The Suffolk Walking Festival does! Now in its 12th year, the festival has established itself as one of Britain’s premier walking festivals with over 120 walks and events across the county. And the 2019 festival is going to the most creative, imaginative and ambitious one to date.  

There are over 120 walks and events from dawn chorus to hidden orchids, from Arthur Ransome to John Constable, and from Anglo-Saxons to naval heritage. There’s even murder, myths and a little bit of magic too. 

Some of the 2019 highlights include a walk with Kite, talking to owls and riding in jeeps! Kite’s day job is the Orford Ness sheepdog and she’ll be joined by her shepherd owner to explain how sheep manage the reserve for wildlife. Then there’s a Night Safari when you’ll enter an ancient woodland just after sun down to experience the wood’s nocturnal life slowly waken (and get to talk to owls!). Very special this year is a 6-mile walk to Eye Airfield where we’ll explore its war-time heritage before taking a ride in vintage military vehicles. 

As well as these there is a walk discovering the fascinating history of Ipswich’s Waterfront followed by a Thames Barge cruise down the River Orwell; an 80-mile Challenge Walk from Lowestoft to Ipswich; and a celebration of the Stour Valley Path with an evening outdoor supper. There are walks and events for everyone: short strolls, gentle rambles, long hikes; family walks, history walks, nature walks; story-telling, art lessons, photography courses; walks with boat trips, walks with breakfasts, even walks with train rides.

This year also sees the second Fringe Festival, events where walking takes a back seat to allow you to immerse yourself in the very heart of the Suffolk landscape, to capture or experience the countryside in new ways. One example of this are our Mindfulness walks in very special locations, far from the disturbance of everyday life. 

Suffolk Secrets is delighted to support this event and for the third year running is the 'Official Accommodation Partner'.

The 2019 Suffolk Walking Festival and Fringe is May 11th to June 2nd. All walks are ticketed, and all tickets must be purchased in advance. Brochures are available in various outlets including tourist information centres and Cotswold Outdoors. To find out more and to buy tickets visit www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk