It may already be mid August, but there’s still a whole load more outdoor adventure to be had this year. Autumn in particular is a great time of year for walking festivals, both in the UK and abroad. Here’s our guide to the top 5 walking festivals in the coming months…

Bohinj Hiking Festival, Slovenia (12th September – 12th October)
The festival will involve guided hikes and tours along mountain trails, as well as a selection of themed trails such as the five-hour ‘On Our Own Land’ walk, which links the heritage of the movie of the same name with the landscapes where the film was shot. One of the most challenging walks is the two-day hiking tour to Mount Triglav led by the renowned guide Stane Klemenc with an overnight stay in a mountain hut.
www.bohinj.si/pohodnistvo/en/

Welsh International Four Days’ Walks in the Cambrian Mountains, Wales (17th – 20th October)
A real challenge, this event offers up four days of walks in the Cambrian Mountains, Wales’ rugged and remote beating heart. While this festival does serve as a qualifying event for the award scheme promoted by the International Federation of Popular Sports, it is very much about enjoyment and socialising with fellow walkers. Alternatively, come back for the Real Ale Wobble, which takes place on the 17th and 18th of November. The main reason to join? Free real ale is provided at the checkpoints!
www.green-events.co.uk/events.html?page=2&id=59

Sussex Walking Festival, South Downs National Park (27th September – 5th October)
A new addition taking place in and around Britain’s most accessible national park (just a short train journey from London) that comprises more than 50 walks. There’s something for everyone at this new event, from the ‘Abbots and Artists‘ walk that starts in Alfriston and includes painted murals at Berwick Church, to the tasty-sounding ‘Two Breweries Tour’ that included two guided tasting sessions. Yum!
www.sussexwalkingfestival.org.uk

Gran Canaria Walking Festival (3rd – 12th October)
Gran Canaria is often referred to as the ‘island of continents’ thanks to its vast array of landscapes, and this walking festival offers the chance to discover all corners of the island. Of particular note is the ‘walk in the clouds’, which conquers the mighty Roque Nublo. Another reason to visit this festival is the fact that you’ll get 10% off a range of stunning local accommodations including rural houses hidden deep within ancient banana plantations.
www.grancanariawalkingfestival.com

Hay Walking Festival, Brecon Beacons (8th – 12th October)
The Hay Walking Festival has now been running for four years and this year will see a couple of new additions, not least a selection of ‘leisurely’ walks for those looking to enjoy the festival at a slower pace. here’s also a torchlight walk up Cusop Hill at dusk and a three-day Middle Wye Adventure covering a 40-mile section of the Wye Valley walk from Hereford to Erwood.
www.haywalking.org