Explore the South Downs National Park in new walking festival
August 15, 2022
“The Downs…too much for one pair of eyes, enough to float a whole population in happiness.”
Poignant words from the great Virginia Woolf, who took lots of opportunities to express admiration for open downland and its many streams and heaths.
There’s the perfect chance to explore the picturesque countryside around one of the National Park’s main hubs as Petersfield Walking Festival kicks into action from 20 to 27 August.
Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, where dramatic chalk scarp meets patchwork weald, heavily wooded sandstone ridges and purple and pink open heath, Petersfield is a striking location for this exciting new walking festival.
There will be 47 walks to choose from, all led by knowledgeable volunteers and some of them led by National Park Rangers.
The festival received the support from the National Park’s Sustainable Communities Fund earlier this year to help get the event off the ground.
Festival organiser Malinka van der Gaauw said: “I spent most of lockdown walking the length and breadth of the local area, finding countless natural and historical treasures.
“Discovering that Alton hosted two successful walking festivals each year, then became the catalyst to investigate setting up a similar event in Petersfield. Thanks to support from my festival colleagues, Sarah and Patrick, South Downs National Park , the town council, local councillor Russell Oppenheimer, Walk Alton, Petersfield Society and the many local walking enthusiasts I have found, this idea has now blossomed into a new event for the town’s tourism calendar.”
Malinka added: “We have Nordic and mindfulness walking, foraging, historical and literary walks as well as an interesting range of short, medium and long walks promoting many of our wonderful local pubs along the way.”
Walks are booking up fast! Find out more and see the programme at https://petersfieldwalkingfestival.co.uk/
