This year the WALX HQ team teamed up with the local WALX Dorset groups and several WALX Masters from around the UK to welcome walkers from established groups and those not lucky enough to have one nearby (yet) to our 9th festival!

The event was a huge success with walks of all distances and levels plus workshops which were informative and fun. Walkers enjoyed coastal walks, cream teas, history tours, trips to Brownsea island and day hikes which visited the best locations. All with leaders who know about the area and make sure everyone looked after.

Friday was packed with walks that took in the famous sights like Old Harry Rocks, the Agglestone and Fort Henry plus smugglers routes and the best viewpoints on the Jurassic coast. The final walks of the day ended with a casual meet up in a Pub with a view (there’s always a place a hosts table for those who attend the festival on their own)

Teas and Coffees were on hand in the WALX store and HUB where people could also come to pick up their festival T shirts plus browse all things walking, nordic walking and outdoorsy!

The local town recreation centre was the venue for outdoor workshops which included using poles for rehabilitation and an amazing WALX silent strides workout to music! This session was a mix of pole technique drills and energising moves all enhanced by the beat and instructions from superstar presenters Denise Page and Claire Davis!

Never have we seen so much laughter on a damp windy afternoon!

Later that evening, there was another chance to dance to the best band in Dorset at the Saturday Supper event – Regular festival goers praised both the venue and the delicious food.

It was good to see both those who walk regularly in groups and newbies who were experiencing their first WALX outing mixing together.

Plenty of opportunities to chat and for those with the energy after a day of walking…. A bit of dancing too.

This testimonial sums up the whole event….

I just wanted to say I thoroughly enjoyed the festival , as did my old school friend who now lives in France. It exceeded my expectations as the walks were so much fun and everyone so friendly and welcoming . The workshops were also informative and the silent disco good fun. As I attended as an individual with my friend I did not expect to be welcomed so warmly . The social event at the golf club was a great success . 
I felt very invigorated by the weekend and and only wish there were more local walks by me ( South Birmingham). Thank you to all the great WALX walk leaders who shared their knowledge of beautiful Dorset . I do hope to join the festival again.

The Sunday was a more leisurely day with walks to explore the local Cider Farm where walkers were able to learn about heritage cider apples, the cider making process and taste the local artisan tipple!

Next year is our 10th Anniversary so we plan to make it extra special whilst retaining the welcome we are famous for. So mark the date in you calendar and make sure you get a place by booking your day passes NOW – EARLYBIRD price is as low as £50 for 3 days which goes you access to 3 walks and workshops a day and there are typically 15 to choose from every day with the most popular repeated to help as many people as possible enjoy them

We can accommodate groups, individuals and couples, any level, with or without poles and there is plenty of local accommodation if you book early (base yourselves close to Wareham, Corfe Castle, Studland and Swanage on the Isle of Purbeck!)

If you have any questions – call the team on 0333 1234 540

Otherwise just hop on to the festival site and book your passes – the individual walks are released and bookable from  June 26.when the full schedule is finalised.

Book passes HERE Festival passes 2026

Read about the event HERE WALX Festival 2026 and see more images below