Purbeck Festival 2026 – A Weekend of Walking, Exploring and Friendship
Every year, WALX Dorset hosts the Purbeck Festival, bringing together WALX instructors and members from around the country for a fabulous weekend of walking, exploring and socialising in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.
This year, 15 members from WALX Leamington & Warwick headed down to Dorset to take part – some experiencing the festival for the first time and others returning for another year.
Our weekend begins
We arranged accommodation for ten of us in a beautiful, well-equipped house on Wareham Quay, with another two staying in adjoining accommodation. Others chose to make their own arrangements at local campsites.
Some of us were able to arrive on Thursday, giving us an extra evening together before the festival really got underway.
Rather than heading out, we stayed in and enjoyed a very sociable evening, with chilli prepared by Peter and Emma followed by some delicious cakes made by Nicky. There was plenty of conversation, laughter, a few beers and glasses of wine – a lovely way to begin the weekend.
Friday – and we’re off!
On Friday morning, sandwiches were made, rucksacks packed and walking kit gathered before everyone headed off in different directions to start exploring.
We were incredibly lucky with the weather, with glorious autumn conditions providing a beautiful backdrop to the day’s walks.
With such a varied programme, there was plenty to choose from, including Grange Arch and its wonderful views, Old Harry Rocks, a Fossil and Dinosaur Walk and the evening walk at Heaven’s Gate.
That evening, those who hadn’t been able to travel down on Thursday joined us, and we all met for fish and chips on Wareham Quay.
Then it was back to our accommodation for more conversation, wine…and, of course, more cake!
Saturday – more adventures
Saturday morning saw us getting our kit together again and heading out for another full day.
Some walked from Blue Pool to Corfe Castle, returning on the steam train. Others enjoyed the Dorset Cream Tea Walk or explored local history on the Wareham Walls Walk.
For anyone wanting something a little different, there were also opportunities to take part in a stretch workshop, yoga and tree breathing.
One of the joys of the festival is being able to choose your own experience. We didn’t all have to do the same thing – everyone could pick the walks and activities that appealed to them and then meet up later to exchange stories about the day.
Saturday evening brought everyone together for a BBQ, live band and dancing, joining WALX members and instructors from around the country. With around 120 people there, it was a brilliant evening and another chance to catch up with familiar faces and meet new ones.
Sunday – coast, swimming and cider
There was still plenty more to fit in on Sunday.
For some of our braver members, the morning began at Studland with an early morning dip – certainly one way to wake yourself up!
Other adventures during the day included a Brownsea Island experience, a cider experience, and walking the beautiful coastline to the Lost Village of Tyneham and Worbarrow Bay.
It was another opportunity to discover different parts of Purbeck before eventually bringing our weekend to a close.
More than just the walking
For some of our group, this was their first Purbeck Festival; others had been before. But whatever activities we chose, one thing we all shared was the experience of simply being together.
Yes, we walked some stunning routes and explored some beautiful places. But weekends like this are about much more than the miles we cover.
They’re about sharing meals, laughing together, trying something different, meeting new people and strengthening friendships.
Sometimes the best memories aren’t necessarily made at the top of a hill or at the end of a walk. They’re made over fish and chips, sitting around a table with a glass of wine, dancing to a band, sharing cake after a long day – or encouraging someone who’s decided that an early morning dip in the sea really is a good idea!
Purbeck Festival 2026 gave us all of that – a weekend of walking, exploring, friendship and simply enjoying being together.
And we came home with plenty of stories to tell.
