Discover the High Peak Walking Festival

There’s nothing quite like the High Peak in autumn — crisp air, changing colours, and landscapes stretched out in golden light. If you love walking, nature, and discovering hidden gems, the High Peak Walking Festival is your perfect invitation. For nine days (19–28 September 2025), the Peak District National Park and surrounding High Peak area open up with a rich programme of walks, talks, and outdoor adventures for every ability.

You’ll find everything from relaxed rambles through charming valleys to more adventurous guided hikes, self-guided routes, and themed walks led by local experts. Whether you’ve got a few hours or a full day, there are options to suit.

Why It’s a Must-Experience

Something for Everyone

Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just looking to stretch your legs, the festival has you covered. Guided and self-guided routes vary in length and difficulty, ensuring that both families and hiking enthusiasts can enjoy.

Learn While You Walk

Want to sharpen your map-reading skills? Or hear stories about the region’s history, geology or ecology? There are navigation courses, themed walks, and expert-led outings that combine beauty with learning.

Breathtaking Scenery

From rolling hills and tranquil woods to moorlands and historic villages, the High Peak landscape is spectacular in autumn. The festival gives you a chance to see those views from paths you might not otherwise explore.

Supporting Local & Sustainable Travel

The walking festival is part of a wider effort to promote responsible tourism in the High Peak. It encourages people to engage with the outdoors, support village cafes, pubs, shops, and stay in local accommodation. It’s as much about the journey and community as it is about the walk itself.

How Westwood Aparthotel Fits Right In

If you’re thinking of making the most of the Walking Festival, staying at Westwood Aparthotel gives you the perfect launch point.

• Prime Location: Glossop is ideally placed for exploring many of the festival’s walks. You’re within easy reach of trails, countryside entrances, and lovely villages.

• Restful, Stylish Rooms: After a day on the trail, you’ll appreciate a well-designed room to unwind in — comfortable bedding, good WiFi, and thoughtful touches to help soothe tired legs.

• Amenities that Matter: Lounge spaces, terrace gardens, coffee & tea making facilities, and spa toiletries make a big difference after long walks.

• Ease of Access: Being close to transport links, shops, restaurants and local bars means you can combine your walking adventures with discovering Glossop itself.

Top Picks: Festival Events & Walks to Try

Here are a few festival events you might want to pencil in:

• A walk following the footsteps of the Kinder Mass Trespassers, from Hayfield, to connect with local heritage.

• Map reading and navigation courses, especially useful if you’re planning your own route or want to feel more confident off the beaten path.

• Buxton hill walks (like Woo Dale and Cowdale) — great for views and countryside ambience.

• Sunday walks with local Ramblers’ clubs — relaxing, social, and often with lovely post-walk refreshments.

Tips for Planning Your Walking Festival Stay with Us

• Pack layers: autumn weather changes quickly in the Peaks. Waterproofs + walking boots = essential.

• Arrive early: some walks, especially guided ones, may fill up or require booking ahead.

• Bring a good map or use apps like AllTrails, OS Maps, or the festival’s own suggested route downloads.

• Explore local dining: after your walk, the cafes, pubs and restaurants in Glossop are a treat.

• Stay a little longer: with nine days of festival, there’s time to enjoy several walks — and to rest in between!

Wrap Up

The High Peak Walking Festival 2025 is a celebration of nature, adventure, and community — just the kind of thing that reminds us why this area is so special. If you’re considering a walking break, this is the time to lace up your boots, breathe in the autumn air, and stay with us at Westwood Aparthotel. We’d love to help make your festival experience relaxing, memorable, and something to look back on.

For full details of the festival programme, routes, themed walks and self-guides, check out Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s Walking Festival page and use apps such as AllTrails to plan your walks in advance. See you on the trails!