Walkers smash their step count during Farnham Walking Festival 

Hundreds of people took part in this year’s Farnham Walking festival helping to make it a resounding success. 

The annual festival is organised by Farnham Town Council and took place from 9-31 May. Walkers were able to choose from over 30 guided walks which explored the villages and countryside around Farnham. The walks also had themes which included nature and wildlife, history and heritage, art and creativity and health and wellbeing.

A popular new addition to this year’s festival was a puppet walk crafted by Farnham Folklore Society. The walk was brought to life by the sharing of local folk tales narrated by a young William Cobbett.

Councillor Kika Mirylees, Lead Member for Culture says: “My thanks go to the community groups and walk leaders who contributed to this year’s Festival, particularly the Farnham Ramblers and principal summer sponsors Kidd Rapinet and Shaw Gibbs for their continued support of summer events in Farnham. There’s no doubt that without their input, it wouldn’t have been possible for us to host an event with such a wide variety of walks. Every year the festival evolves, and the 2026 festival was no exception. This is what helps to keep it fresh and is why people take part year after year.”

Farnham’s community groups always make a major contribution to the Walking Festival. This year, Farnham Ramblers welcomed visitors on walks that explored the historic ruins of Waverley Abbey, the Crondall countryside, Frensham Ponds and the Devil’s Jumps. Hive Helpers guided walkers around the Farnham Bee Trail on World Bee Day and experienced walkers joined members of the Surrey Hills Society for a walk along the ancient North Downs Way trail from Farnham to Guildford. The festival also saw the welcome return of the town-centre history tour, led by local student Finn.

Although the Walking Festival has ended for 2026, there is no need for walkers to hang up their walking boots. Self-guided walks can be downloaded from Farnham Town Council’s website at www.farnham.gov.uk or printed copies can be picked up from Farnham Town Hall in South Street. There is also the option to download the free Discover Farnham walking app which provides access to a selection of themed routes with commentary.