Ten free Lake District walks offer families a screen break this autumn

A nationwide walking festival will return to Cumbria, with a series of free, guided walks across the Lake District.

The YHA Festival of Walking will take place from September 11 to October 11, offering 10 walks starting from youth hostels in Keswick, Grasmere, Ambleside, Langdale, and Borrowdale.

Festival of Walking at Hartington Hall YHA. Photography by Richard Richards Photography. (Image: Richard Richards Photography)

Andrew McCoy, programme manager for the YHA Festival of Walking, said: "The free, child-friendly, guided walks are a practical way for families to build confidence in the outdoors while introducing younger people to nature.

"They create space to step away from screens, spend time outside together and form a genuine connection with the natural environment.

"For many, that first experience can be the start of a lasting interest in walking that continues into adulthood."

YHA Langdale (Image: Submitted)

The festival aims to make walking accessible and enjoyable for all, especially families with young children.

Children now spend an average of 45 hours a week indoors, with more than a third of that time on screens.

The walks are designed to help people of all abilities gain confidence in the outdoors.

Participants can learn new skills and build their confidence during YHA’s Festival of Walking. (Image: Submitted)

The programmed walks include introductory and improver-level map and navigation sessions, a women-only walk, and general social walks.

Routes are designed to be inclusive and supportive, encouraging participation from those new to walking as well as more experienced walkers.

All walks are free and circular, starting and ending at YHA hostels.

YHA Grasmere (Image: Submitted)

Participants will be treated to a complimentary 'cuppa and cake' at the end of each walk.

The full schedule of Lake District walks includes:

• YHA Keswick – Saturday, September 12 (Introductory Map & Navigation social walk)
• YHA Keswick – Sunday, September 13 (Improvers Map & Navigation social walk)
• YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe – Saturday, September 19
• YHA Ambleside – Sunday, September 20 (Introductory Map & Navigation social walk)
• YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe – Saturday, September 26
• YHA Keswick – Saturday, October 3 (Hillwalking)
• YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe – Saturday, October 3 (Women-only walk)
• YHA Langdale – Sunday, October 4
• YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe – Sunday, October 4
• YHA Borrowdale – Saturday, October 10

The wider festival includes up to 60 organised walks across England.

YHA Keswick is hosting two skills-building walks, including sessions covering map reading and navigation, as part of the 2026 Festival of Walking. (Image: Submitted)

Events cover locations from Penzance to Northumberland, including urban centres such as London, Bristol, and Manchester.

Walk themes include wildlife, heritage, canals, and mindfulness, alongside family-friendly and Nordic walking routes.

The festival is supported by Sport England and other partners.

It is now in its fourth year and has expanded rapidly since 2022.

YHA Borrowdale (Image: Submitted)

That first year saw 19 walks and around 1,550 participants.

By 2025, the programme expanded to 55 walks and 4,300 participants.

Growth has been driven by rising demand for outdoor activities that promote wellbeing and community.

Ten free guided walks will take place from youth hostels across the Lake District as part of YHA’s annual Festival of Walking. (Image: Submitted)

The events are organised in partnership with Trekking Tom Experiences, Mosaic Outdoors, Trek Therapy, the National Trust, local Ramblers groups, the Canal & River Trust, Outdoor Adventure Girls, and qualified Nordic walking instructors.

Pre-booking is required for all walks.

Full details and booking information are available at www.yha.org.uk/festival-of-walking.