York Walking Festival 2026: Dates and how to join the city trails

The York Walking Festival returns this autumn, offering a structured series of events designed to help residents and visitors explore the city and its surrounding countryside. Organised by the City of York Council, the festival runs from Saturday, 19 September, through Sunday, 4 October 2026.

Festival Highlights and Themed Routes

The two-week programme features a variety of guided experiences that cater to diverse interests, ranging from wildlife observation to local history. Among the scheduled highlights are the popular Bat Walk and the Fungus Foray, both of which provide an opportunity to engage with the local environment.

For those interested in the city’s heritage, the festival includes several history-focused walks. Richard Taylor, a festival guide known as ‘The History Man,’ noted that these sessions aim to uncover lesser-known narratives of York. According to Taylor, the walks move beyond the well-documented Roman and Viking eras to explore topics such as the 1644 siege and various aspects of local social history, including stories of lawbreakers and historical figures.

Accessibility and Public Health

The City of York Council has confirmed that the 2026 programme includes routes specifically selected for accessibility, ensuring they are suitable for participants using mobility aids and buggies.

The festival is positioned as a public health initiative, encouraging residents to improve their physical wellbeing through regular activity. The council highlights that walking is one of the most accessible methods for residents to maintain an active lifestyle. Citing NHS guidance, the council notes that consistent physical activity can reduce the risk of major illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, while also contributing to improved mood and sleep quality.

How to Access the Programme

All event listings, including specific locations and details for individual walks, are managed through the official iTravel York portal. Residents and visitors can view the full schedule and access resources for independent walking at https://www.itravelyork.info/yorkwalkingfestival.

Beyond the festival’s two-week window, the council provides ongoing support for those looking to incorporate walking into their daily routines. This includes access to advice, resources, and training materials designed to help residents walk independently throughout the year. The council encourages participants to use the festival as an opportunity to discover new local routes and engage with the city’s green spaces.

Source: City of York Council