WALKING FESTIVALS IN SCOTLAND
The number of walking events and walking festivals in Scotland has grown over the past ten years, as more and more people have discovered the pleasures and benefits of walking in the marvellous and varied surroundings that Scotland has to offer.
There's a good mix of styles and themes, from day walks led by countryside rangers to festivals lasting a week or more. Some walking events are focussed on particular interests, such as photography, history or wildlife, but they all offer a chance to enjoy Scotland's great scenery in the company of friends, family or other likeminded walkers. And Scotland is widely recognised as having some of the best walking opportunities in the UK.
The Scottish Borders Walking Festival is the longest established walking festival in Scotland.
Each September it takes place in a different part of the Scottish Borders - for example 2010's theme is "Walking the Tweed Valley". The walks lead along ancient byways and drove roads into some of what the organisers describe as the best scenery in Scotland. Along the way, rangers and volunteer walk leaders share with walkers their knowledge of the Scottish Borders’ rich culture and history
The Crieff and Strathearn Drovers' Tryst is also now well established in October on the walking festival calendar. This festival is different not just because it celebrates the life, work and play of the people who made Crieff the cattle-droving crossroads of Scotland in the 1700s, but also because it includes other outdoor pursuits and activities, including the famous 'Hairy Coo Mountain Bike Race', together with an accompanying full social calendar.
In May, Newton Stewart WalkFest in the south west of Scotland features a range of challenging routes into the Galloway Hills, including the 28km 'Rotary Corbett Challenge' and the 30km, 2,200 metres of ascent 'Three Cairnsmores' experience. Also in May but at the other end of the country is the Caithness and Sutherland Walking Festival.
Again in May is the Ballater Royal Deeside Walking Festival which has expanded considerably and now provides a programme designed for walkers of all capabilities from 'Munro-baggers' to those who like a gentle stroll. Most of the walks are situated within what is now the Cairngorms National Park.
Other festivals worth mentioning include the Blairgowrie and East Perthshire Walking Festival which usually takes place over a weekend in mid to late Autumn, again, offering something for everyone, including Munro walking.
Why not participate in the walks of the Drovers' Tryst - Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland
