Alton Walking Festival 2026
Alton Walking Festival, now in its 14th year, is a truly friendly walking event, ideal for enthusiastic walkers, relaxed wanderers and curious explorers of all ages. The festival is the ideal opportunity for the local community and visitors from further afield to meet like-minded people, explore the town and its surrounding villages and discover the superb Hampshire countryside with its abundance of wildlife and rich cultural heritage. You’ll be spoilt for choice!
Walks are free to attend apart from the Ghost Walks, you will need to book these directly with the company...please see below.
GHOST WALKS Friday 29th May
It is 1867… a year that places Alton in the history books with a notoriety to rival that of Whitechapel of London. Beyond the tourist trail, the dark lanes and streets hide secrets of ghosts, conspiracy and smugglers. Join the Theatre of Dark Encounters as we bring these stories to life in a truly immersive experience, as ghosts of the past come to tell their tales of well-known haunting spots in the town, including; St Lawrence Church, Flood Meadows, The Crown Hotel and the Swan Hotel.
You will learn a little, you will laugh a little - but hopefully you will scream a lot…FIND OUT MORE
NEW FOR 2026
ACCESSIBLE WALKS
One of the highlights this year is a strong focus on accessible walking.
The programme includes:
- Shorter, slower-paced walks.
- Routes suitable for wheelchair users, mobility scooters and those with limited mobility.
- Family friendly routes.
These walks are designed to ensure everyone can experience the beauty of Alton and its surroundings, making the festival truly inclusive.
FAMILY WALKS - HALF TERM
A five-day programme of family walks taking place during the May half term. Designed to bring fun and adventure to younger walkers, these events will include a free train trip, lively storytelling sessions with Pumpkin Pantos, a family-friendly ghost walk, and hands-on crafty activities with Alton Arts Festival. It’s a great chance for families to enjoy time outdoors together while discovering local stories and hidden gems.
GRADE
Please check the grade of the walk (Slow, Moderate or Brisk) to make sure that the speed of the walk is suitable for you before booking:
SLOW WALKS 2 miles per hour or less
MODERATE 2.5 to 3 miles per hour
BRISK 3+ miles per hour
Discount Scheme
The popular festival discount scheme is returning for this year’s Alton Walking Festival, giving participants even more to enjoy beyond the walks themselves. A range of local shops, cafés and businesses will once again be offering exclusive deals, making it easy to refuel, explore the town, or treat yourself along the way. It’s a great way to enhance your festival experience while supporting the local community that helps make the event so special.
After your festival walk, collect your festival discount card from your walk leader and try out the amazing partner offers below. Simply present your card when you place your order to claim your discount. Offers valid 1st May to 15th June, one card per walker.
For more details please visit: https://www.walkalton.org.uk/festival-discounts