When: Friday 29th May - Sunday 31st May 2026
Where: Based in YHA Edale, Peak District with nationwide walks
The BMC Big Walking weekend welcomes everyone! Whether you're a new walker seeking friendly guidance or an experienced walker looking to sharpen your skills, our weekend is designed for nature lovers, families and communities looking to connect in the outdoors. There will be plenty of walks, talks and workshops to join in with and we will also be putting on loads of free guided walks around the country, meaning you can join in the fun from your doorstep too.
What is included with your tickets?
Your registration includes:
- Participation in guided walks, workshops, skills sessions and talks (see below for schedule)
- Catered accommodation for the duration of the festival including breakfast and packed lunches on Saturday and Sunday along with dinner on Saturday evening.
FESTIVAL TICKETS
Adult Full Weekend and Board
Adult BMC member tickets are £100 and include two nights’ accommodation with your food taken care of.
Non-BMC member tickets are £125 and include two nights accommodation with your food taken care of plus half price one-year BMC membership.
Click here to buy tickets.
Under 27 Full Weekend and Board
BMC member tickets are £85 and include two nights’ accommodation with your food taken care of.
Non-BMC member tickets are £100 and include two nights accommodation with your food taken care of plus half price one-year BMC membership.
Click here to buy tickets.
Adult Saturday or Sunday Day Tickets
Day tickets give access to the festival on Saturday 30 May or Sunday 31st. Saturday ticket costs £35 and a Sunday ticket costs £15.
Note the Saturday day ticket includes an evening meal, but the Sunday ticket does not.
Click here to buy tickets.
Under 27 Saturday or Sunday Day Tickets
Day tickets give access to the festival on Saturday 30 May or Sunday 31st. Saturday ticket costs £25 and a Sunday ticket costs £10.
Note the Saturday day ticket includes an evening meal, but the Sunday ticket does not.
Click here to buy tickets.
What's happening over the Big Walking Weekend?
Friday 29th May
Welcome Presentation
Big Quiz: Think you know your mountains? Team up with fellow festival goers for your chance to win the top prize!
Saturday 30th May
9:30am to 10:00am Morning Yoga
Women-only Hill Skills Workshop (Moderate fitness, community vibes, aimed at novices): General hills skills including navigation, kit, common hazards and emergencies. Activity continues out on the hills for practical version
Access and Mend our Mountains Walk (Moderate fitness, great CPD): We will take you on a journey of discovery looking at how the BMC mends our mountains and the access issues we face at a local level
Accessible Walk (Suitable for children): Join us for this low-level walk on accessible paths
Practical Navigation (Moderate fitness, great CPD): Learn the steps required to become a competent navigator in the outdoors
Kinder Scout Scramble (Good fitness): Experience the thrill and excitement putting hands to rock as we ascend high into the hills
Geology Walk and Talk (Moderate fitness, great CPD): Learn about the history and geology of the Peak District. Who and how shaped this unique landscape.
Hill Skills Walk (Moderate fitness, great CPD): A mixed day of skills, tailored towards the group
Family Treasure Hunt (Suitable for children): Can you find the hidden prizes?
Wild Camping Talk and Film: We’ll talk about the BMC's push to extend the right to wild camp beyond Dartmoor. Join us for an exclusive screening of our film 'We Wild Camp'.
Campfire Discussion (not an actual campfire): What is the BMC doing for its hill walking members. Come along and ask us some questions!
Night Navigation (Moderate fitness): Don’t forget your headtorch, map and compass
Sunday 31st May
Closing presentation
Accessible Walk (Suitable for children): Join us for this low-level walk on accessible paths
Conservation Walk (Moderate fitness, great CPD): Explore the ways the BMC cares for the landscapes we love and the factors that can destroy them
Kinder Scout Scramble (Good fitness): Experience the thrill and excitement putting hands to rock as we ascend high into the hills
Women-only Hill Skills Workshop (Moderate fitness, community vibes, aimed at novices): General hills skills including navigation, kit, common hazards and emergencies. Activity continues out on the hills for practical version. Continuation of Saturday’s workshop
HML/ML Refresher (Moderate fitness, great CPD): Wanting to boost your training or get ready for assessment? Come join Darren for this Mountain Training refresher day
Other workshops may be available across the weekend for anyone not attending walks or who wishes to arrive back early.
Our leadership team are fully qualified Mountain Leaders & Hill & Moorland Leaders and are first aid trained. The BMC also welcomes partners and associate members to join the Big Walking Weekend. We want to extend a special thanks to Mountain Training, Blackdog Outdoors, Peter Judd, Darren Saxton, Anne Kemp-Eyre, Clare Irvine, Pioneer Mountaineering, Alex Hirst, Peak District Mosaic and The Scouts Association.
Free Nationwide Big Walking Weekend walks
Can’t make it to Edale? Join our inclusive Big Walking Weekend walks across the country. We will continue to add more nationwide walks to the lineup:
Nationwide Big Walking Weekend walks
Lakes Area Walks
Celebrate the BMC Big Walking Weekend as we head up to the summit of Helm Crag from Grasmere.
Hill Walking
Celebrate the BMC Big Walking Weekend as we explore one of the highest points in Southern England. With picturesque countryside through the heart of the Surrey Hills, we’re heading up to Leith Hill.
Hill Walking
Celebrate the BMC Big Walking Weekend as we explore the Cleveland four Peaks. The route from Clay Bank will take in 4 moderate hills. White Hill, Cold Moor, Cringle Moor and Carlton Bank. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!
North West Area Walks
Join us in celebrating the Big Walking Weekend with a social walk around the foothills of Rivington in the North West.
North Cymru Walks
Celebrate the BMC Big Walking Weekend by taking to the high ground in Eryri for a classic Carneddau Skywalk - a big mountain day linking summit after summit with minimal loss of height.
North West Area Walks
Join us in celebrating the Big Walking Weekend with a social walk in Europe's largest municipal park.
North East Area Walks
Celebrate the Big Walking Weekend with us by traversing the Northumberland Coast Path National Trail visiting Dunstanburgh Castle.
Peak Area Walks
Join us during the BMC Big Walking Weekend for a sponsored wildfire walk to help the BMC Access & Conservation Trust raise money to protect the Sheffield Moors hiking and climbing area from wildfires.
Frequently Asked Questions
This festival is designed specifically for beginners and novice hill walkers. If you’re new to hill walking or want to build confidence in a supportive environment, this event is ideal for you.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. You should be comfortable walking for several hours on uneven ground with some uphill sections. The walks are paced sensibly, with regular breaks.
Yes. All walks are fully guided by experienced leaders who will support the group throughout the day, including navigation and pacing.
The walks range from easy to challenging, suitable for beginners who want a challenge without it being overwhelming. Leaders will explain what to expect before each walk.
Of course! You can attend the festival and walk independently from the accommodation. Many participants attend solo, and the festival is a friendly, social environment that makes it easy to meet others.
Yes. Advance registration is required for the festival. This helps us manage group sizes, accommodation, and support safely.
Arrive: Earliest 3pm on Friday 29 May 2026
Departure: The hostel must be vacated by 10am on Sunday 31 May 2026. You can leave your vehicle and any luggage at the hostel whilst completing your Sunday activities.
There is a combination of gendered dormitory style rooms and private/family rooms. Some of the rooms have en-suite facilities, whereas others have a wash basin and shared showers/toilets.
No, festival attendees will be provided with breakfast and packed lunches on Saturday and Sunday along with dinner on Saturday evening.
Participants should bring:
- Sturdy walking boots
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Suitable walking clothing (layers recommended)
- Small backpack, water bottle, and snacks
A full kit list will be provided after registration.
Yes. Support is offered throughout the festival, including experienced walk leaders and on-hand assistance if anyone needs to step out of a session.
Hill walking takes place in most weather conditions. Walk routes and plans may be adjusted if necessary to ensure safety and enjoyment.
Under 18s are an important part of the community and very welcome. They must be accompanied by their parent/legal guardian at all times for insurance and safeguarding purposes. Dogs are not permitted at the festival.
Edale General Store at Newfold Farm (30 min walk)
Fri: 9:00am-17:00pm
Sat: 8:30am-18:00pm
Sun: 8:30am-16:00pm
Hope (1 hour walk)
A variety of local stores
Whilst there is no dedicated quiet space, there are many rooms available at the hostel along with numerous places to relax outdoors. There is no dedicated prayer space, however there are many rooms available at the hostel, and we will accommodate for your requirements as best we can.