Walk Notts Festival 2026

Nottinghamshire residents are encouraged to get out and about this Spring as the city and county prepare to launch their second Walk Notts Festival throughout May 2026, linking in with National Walking Month.

The festival, which runs from 01 – 31 May, aims to promote walking and wheeling opportunities and activities across all areas of Nottingham City and throughout all districts and boroughs of Nottinghamshire. The campaign seeks to highlight the physical, mental, environmental and social benefits of moving around on foot or by wheelchair, mobility scooter, or other mobility aids right from the doorstep.

“We’re excited to invite everyone in the City and County to participate in this celebration of walking and wheeling.” says Sara Davies, Walk Notts Strategic Lead. “From Cotgrave to Clipstone and beyond, we want to encourage people of all ages and abilities to discover the joy of moving more in their communities in ways that work for them.”

“In our first Festival last year we were excited to see schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, councils, communities and residents get involved in all sort of ways.”

“We want to take this opportunity to highlight how walking and wheeling can positively impact the climate and environment; help reduce the impact on health and social care resources; and ultimately support people to live happier lives.”

The festival will feature a wide range of initiatives and activities organised by community partners across the region, including:

• New park and town trails, footpaths and benches
• Scavenger hunts and treasure trails, geocaching adventures and nature trails
• Buggy walks for parents and carers with young children
• Nordic walking sessions
• Art walks
• Podcasting walks and map reading adventures
• Heritage trails
• Litter picking community events
• Walking challenges

A special focus will be placed on “Walk to School Week” which runs from 18-22 May, encouraging families to incorporate walking and wheeling in their everyday lives such as going to and from school, or parking and striding a bit further.

Organisations and community groups planning any walking or wheeling activities in May are invited to share their initiatives and events with the festival organisers to be included in promotional materials and online listings.

There are resources available such as bingo cards designed for different age groups to help make activities more fun and a programme of events and activities happening across the month.

A small Enabling Fund is also available to help activate walking and wheeling activities for groups needing financial support.

The Walk Notts Festival also aims to highlight some of the many great things about moving more, including:

• Connecting with the surrounding environment
• Improving physical health through exercise, which reduces our impact on health and social care services
• Reducing stress and enhancing mental wellbeing, it builds our confidence and resilience too
• Creating opportunities to learn new things and meet new people
• The positive impact on our environment through more active travel to school, work and for moving around locally

For more information about the Walk Notts Festival, to register an event, or to apply for funding support, email info@walknotts.org.uk or visit the Walk Notts Festival website.