The National Forest Walking Festival

The National Forest Walking Festival will take place between 16-26 May 2025.

The National Walking Month falls during May and we think this is one of the best times of the year to be outdoors in the National Forest. The drama of spring blossom, the heady scent of bluebells carpeting ancient woodlands, and the chance to see wildlife in abundance, are all wonderful for the body and soul.

The Forest story is one of huge landscape-scale transformation, from black coalfields to green tree-scapes. Three decades of forest creation in this part of the Midlands demonstrates how trees can transform landscapes, communities and the economy.

This year’s Festival will take place between 16-26 May 2025 – follow the Festival on Facebook for updates. And the full programme of walks can be downloaded here:  National Forest Walking Festival Brochure .

Why not get a flavour of what the festival has to offer, by browsing through the brochure at the foot of the page.

Why not stay overnight – explore accommodation in the Forest

The National Forest Walking Festival is supported by Leicestershire County Council, the National Forest Company and South Derbyshire District Council and the huge number of organisations and individuals that volunteer their time to design and lead walks.

If you would like more information regarding this event, accommodation, or general tourist information please email: info@visitsouthderbyshire.co.uk

If you would like to submit a walk or activity for next year’s Walking Festival, please email get.active@southderbyshire.gov.uk before September 2025.

Unable to join us for the Festival?  You can still make the most of our Self-led walks in the National Forest  for lots of places for you to explore on your own or with friends and family.