Join a led Slow Ways walk this summer! Here’s our programme of activities

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As part of the Great Slow Ways Summer Waycheck we’re partnering with walk leaders and walking groups across the UK to bring together an exciting programme of walks

Whether you’re a long-distance walker, or prefer to go slow and walk shorter distances, whether you’d like to join other wheelers or women of colour, we’ve got something for everyone! This is a live page and we’ll be updating it with more details as and when they come in.

At a glance: remaining walks (updated 22 August)

DateOrganisationLocationSuitable forBook here
19 AugLong Distance Walking Assoc.Plymouth to LooeAllLDWA
9 SepBristol Steppin SistasKeynsham to Bath (meet Bristol)Over 18sEventbrite
10 SepWild Trails WalesLlanberis to BeddgelertAllWTW
10 SepEbony HikersHagley to RomsleyBlack ancestry
12 SepWalkers are Welcome (Wellington)Newport to TelfordAllWWAW
16 SepLong Distance Walking Assoc.Barnstaple to IlfracombeAllLDWA
16 SepJessie LeongKendal to LevansTBCTBC
16 SepBlack Tri TribePortslade to PyecombeBlack communityBTT
17 SepSchool of OutdoorsGomshall to CapelAllFacebook
17 SepEvery Body OutdoorsBradford-on-Avon to TrowbridgePlus size peopleEventbrite

All walks

Photo: Every Body Outdoors

Every Body Outdoors X Slow Ways walk and kit try-on

Saturday 17th June 2023 | 9:45am-4:30pm

We will be walking along the Burton to Sherston Slow Ways route, a six-mile flat route that also runs along the Macmillan Way. Afterwards, we will head to Sherston Village Hall so people can try on some of the clothing and kit in the Every Body Outdoors kit pool!

This event is for plus size people only to create a safe and inclusive space. We do not set a size restriction on this, but if you are smaller than a size 18 we would ask you to consider if there might be other groups that you could attend.

Long Distance Walking Association x Slow Ways

Saturday 17th June 2023 | 9am-4pm

Join Slow Ways volunteer and expedition leader, Tim Ryan, for a linear walk, which follows the Slow Ways route between Dulverton and Wheddon Cross. Mostly along footpaths and bridleways with riverside & forest walking, this hilly route is intended be walked at a leisurely “WASP” pace of a little over 2.5 miles per hour, which leaves plenty of time to enjoy the scenery on the ten-mile stretch to Wheddon Cross, and still have time for a short break at the pretty village of Winsford, possibly at the Rest and Be Thankful Inn at Wheddon Cross, whilst waiting for the bus back.

Starts at Marsh Bridge car park near Dulverton, Somerset

Link to website

Photo: Experience Community

Experience Community CIC x Slow Ways

Tuesday 20th June 2023

Experience Community is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that helps disabled people access the outdoors through a range of inclusive walking, cycling, conservation and arts activities.

The walk is open to all, with focus on disabled users. Bring a packed lunch. For more info or to book please email info@experiencecommunity.co.uk or call 07852237123

The Proper Blokes Club x Slow Ways

Thursday 22nd June 2023

The Proper Blokes Club is a community project for men’s mental health. The main aim is to break the stigma of men’s mental health and start talking openly about it. The team at Proper Blokes Club will be hosting a beautiful countryside walk in Kent from Orpington to Sevenoaks. This walk is for men only. Click here to book.

Wild Trails Wales X Slow Ways

Saturday 24th June 2023

A great route through the heart of the Brecon Beacons, including the summit of Pen y Fan. The walk involves some rough ground, and steep climbing and descending. We will meet in Brecon then catch the bus to Nant Ddu to begin the walk, returning back to Brecon for your onward travel at the end of the day. This is a challenging walk so good fitness is required.

Link to website

Groundwork x Slow Ways

Saturday 24th June 2023

Join Groundwork East and Kelly Smith (Founder of the Black Tri Tribe) on a Slow Ways walk from Watford to Rickmansworth as part of the Great Slow Ways Summer Waycheck. We will be walking one of these routes, Ricwat two.

We will meet outside the High Street Station in Watford, and walk a curated path to Rickmansworth. When we finish in Rickmansworth, there will be an opportunity for people to return from the endpoint to Watford via bus (#321) or train (Metropolitan Line to Watford Underground Station at Cassiobury Park). The walk at 7km long should take about two hours at a leisurely pace, but we have given ourselves time for breaks, lunch and stops along the way to enjoy the route. Realistically we should be finished by 3pm in Rickmansworth. This walk is open to anyone.

Photo: Wild Trails Wales

Wild Trails Wales X Slow Ways

Sunday 25th June 2023

This is a journey through the spectacular Rheidol Valley from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge, on a mixture of lanes, and footpaths along the river and through the fields and woodland surrounding. There are a few steep climbs. We’ll meet at Devil’s Bridge in the morning then car-share to Aberystwyth to begin the walk. We’ll then car-share back to Aberystwyth to collect the remaining cars for onward travel. There is a campsite at Devil’s Bridge if anyone would like to meet up the previous evening, please mention when booking if you’re interested. If you want to come but don’t drive, please get in touch.

Black Tri Tribe x Slow Ways

Sunday 25th June 2023

The Black Tri Tribe is a triathlon club with a difference. Their main aim is to get black and brown people into the sport of triathlon. Join Kelly Smith (Founder of the Black Tri Tribe) for a scenic guided walk along the seafront from Brighton to Saltdean. The route follows the promenade until you reach Brighton Marina, from there you walk up a gentle incline to the chalk cliffs offering lovely views of the South Downs National Park. More details to follow.

Photo: Bristol Steppin Sistas

Bristol Steppin Sistas x Slow Ways

Sunday 25th June 2023

Join Sophie Brown and Bristol Steppin Sistas on a Slow Ways walk for a beautiful walk from Bristol to Keynsham along rivers and through woods. Bristol Steppin Sistas are a grassroots walking group of women of colour established in Bristol in April 2021 that aims to reach out to local women in the area who identify with our lived experience to encourage an interest in walking and thriving in open spaces. They regularly organise walks, for those who wish to take short walks and for those who wish to take longer treks.

This walk is open to all over the age of 18. Click here to book

Black Tri Tribe x Slow Ways

Saturday 1st July 2023

Join Smith on a scenic coastal walk from Brighton to Saltdean. Details to follow

School of Outdoors x Slow Ways

Sunday 9th July 2023 | 10am

This particular 7 mile linear walk takes in the beautiful surroundings of Dorking, Holmwood, Beare Green and Capel! 

RSVP on Facebook

Every Body Outdoors X Slow Ways

Saturday 16th July 2023 | 10:30am-3pm

We will be walking along the Chorley to Adlington Slow Ways route, a 4 mile flat route that also runs along the canal. Before this, we’re meeting at Fairview Youth and Community Centre so people can try on some of the clothing and kit in the Every Body Outdoors kit pool!

This event is for plus size people only to create a safe and inclusive space. We do not set a size restriction on this, but if you are smaller than a size 18 we would ask you to consider if there might be other groups that you could attend.

Book tickets here

Bristol Steppin Sistas x Slow Ways

Sunday 23rd July 2023

Join Sophie Brown and Bristol Steppin Sistas on a Slow Ways walk from Bristol to Wick. Bristol Steppin Sistas are a grassroots walking group of women of colour established in Bristol in April 2021 that aims to reach out to local women in the area who identify with our lived experience to encourage an interest in walking and thriving in open spaces. They regularly organise walks, for those who wish to take short walks and for those who wish to take longer treks.

Book here on Eventbrite.

The Proper Blokes Club x Slow Ways

Sunday 23rd July 2023

The Proper Blokes Club is a community project for men’s mental health. The main aim is to break the stigma of men’s mental health and start talking openly about it. Join in on a walk from Norbury to Croydon.

Get in contact with Proper Blokes Club to join. Open to all men.

The Proper Blokes Club x Slow Ways

Thursday 27th July 2023

The Proper Blokes Club is a community project for men’s mental health. The main aim is to break the stigma of men’s mental health and start talking openly about it. The team at Proper Blokes Club will be hosting two Slow Ways group-walks in London for their members and newcomers alike in London. This walk is for men only.

Meet at London Bridge Station at 10am to walk Sevenoaks to Tonbridge

Black Tri Tribe x Slow Ways

Saturday 29th July 2023 at 11am

Join Kelly Smith (Founder of the Black Tri Tribe) for a scenic guided walk on the South Downs from Woodingdean to Peacehaven. This is a linear route, 6.5km, will take around three hours. Hiking boots/trainers are recommended and a weather check for appropriate clothing is also highly recommended.

Ground Provisions x London National Park City x Barnett Council x Slow Ways

Saturday 29th July 2023 at 10am

Using the Slow Ways walking network, Barnet artist and London National Park City Ranger Becky Lyon will introduce you to helpful and stimulating routes that will get you from A-B when you have a little more time to spare or are unable to take public transport.

As we walk we’ll take the opportunity to slow down, tune into the seasons and take notice of the nature around us. We’ll take part in simple and fun poetry-making and word-play exercises to help us open our eyes a little wider and connect to nature as we go!

  • Creating connections from A-B
  • Creating connections with other folks in your neighbourhood
  • Creating connections with ecology around you

For our first walk we travel from Finchley Central to Brent Cross, venturing through the backstreets and passing through Brent Park, along Mutton Brook and Stephens House & Grounds. We’ll finish up just in time for lunch and point you in the right direction for great places to eat on The Finchley Feast Food Trail!

These walks are designed with Barnet Locals in mind to help illuminate alternative ways of getting around the borough without cars or public transport. This activity is delivered in collaboration with Barnet Council as part of the Finchley Central Town Centres Placemaking strategy and the Barnet Active Travel Initiative. Find out more about the exciting public space improvements and community events here: https://finchleycentraltowncentre.co.uk/

The Proper Blokes Club x Slow Ways

Sunday 30th July 2023

The Proper Blokes Club is a community project for men’s mental health. The main aim is to break the stigma of men’s mental health and start talking openly about it. Join in on a walk from Woolwich to Bexleyheath.

Contact with Proper Blokes Club to join. Open to all men.

In the second of our series of “Creating Connections” walks we invite you to join a glorious walk from Totteridge & Whetstone to Finchley Central via the soothing Dollis Brook.

In collaboration with Barnet Council, using the Slow Ways walking network join Barnet artist and London National Park City Ranger Becky Lyon as she guides you through the picturesque paths that connect the two locations. These routes are perfect when you have some extra time or prefer an alternative to public transport.

As we walk we’ll take the opportunity to slow down, tune into the seasons and take notice of the nature around us. We’ll take part in simple and fun poetry-making and word-play exercises to help us open our eyes a little wider and connect to nature as we go!

  • Creating connections from A-B
  • Creating connections with other folks in your neighbourhood
  • Creating connections with ecology around you

We’ll finish up just in time for lunch and point you in the right direction for great places to eat on The Finchley Feast Food Trail!

These walks cater to locals in mind help illuminate alternative ways of getting around the borough away from the car. This activity is delivered in collaboration with Barnet Council as part of the Finchley Central Town Centres Placemaking strategy and the Barnet Active Travel Initiative. Find out more about the exciting public space improvements and community events here: https://finchleycentraltowncentre.co.uk/

School of Outdoors x Slow Ways

Friday 4th August 2023 at 10am

Cranleigh to Capel

This particular 8 mile linear walk takes in the beautiful surroundings of Capel, Ockley and Cranleigh.

RSVP on Facebook

Long Distance Walking Association x Slow Ways

Saturday 19th August 2023

From Armada Way Plymouth, at the junction with Royal Parade. To Looe railway station for the return journey,( or alternatively bus stop for return if preferred.) An alternative start point from the ferry at Torpoint could be negotiated with the organiser for the 14 mile option

From the city centre, there is a 3 mile walk mostly along pavement & through Devonport Park to the ferry to Torpoint (free service for pedestrians) From Torpoint on road & footpath to join the coast path at Tregantle Fort. Then using the coast path to Looe.

Information here

Bristol Steppin Sistas x Slow Ways

Saturday 9th September 2023

Meeting at Bristol coach station for a walk from Keynsham to Bath.

Information here

Ebony Hikers X Slow Ways

Sunday 10th September 2023

Open to all of Black ancestry, this walk uses Hagrom one. Hagley to Romsley.

Wild Trails Wales X Slow Ways

Sunday 10th September 2023

A wonderful journey through the foothills of Eryri National Park, with spectacular mountain and lake views. We’ll be walking around the base of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) then through Beddgelert Forest. The plan for the day is to meet at Beddgelert, and catch the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus to Llanberis to begin the walk. There is some rough and boggy terrain on this route, though most of it will be on stone tracks. Good level of fitness required. There is a campsite in Beddgelert if anyone would like to meet up the night before; please let me know when you book if you’re interested.

Walkers are Welcome (Wellington)

Tuesday 12th September 2023

As part of Wellington Walking Festival, organised by Wellington Walkers are Welcome, walk this Slow Ways route, using the Hutchison Way in part. Bring a packed lunch & bus pass/fare, or train fare for return, Estimated return time in Wellington 16:30. Moderate 9 miles. (some stiles) Led by Jean Escott. Catch the 10:00 Bus 102 to Newport from Wellington Bus Station.
Note Wellington and Newport are both in Shropshire, both names are ambiguous.

The group will walk Newport to Telford. Book here.

Long Distance Walking Association x Slow Ways

Saturday 16th September 2023

Start from the entrance to Barnstaple bus station on Belle Meadow Road, Barnstaple. Finishing at Capstone Point, Ilfracombe. From the town centre along pavement and minor roads until open countryside, the walk continues alternating between footpaths and quiet country lanes through West Down and then mostly footpaths through to Ilfracombe. There is a regular bus service for the return journey to Barnstaple.

Information

Jessie Leong x Slow Ways

Saturday 16th September 2023

Information coming soon

Black Tri Tribe x Slow Ways

Saturday 16th September 2023

Portslade to Pyecombe

Every Body Outdoors X Slow Ways

Sunday 17th September 2023

We will be walking along the Bradford on Avon to Trowbridge Slow Ways route, a 4 mile flat route that also runs along the Kennet and Avon canal and the railway. This event is for plus size people only to create a safe and inclusive space. We do not set a size restriction on this, but if you are smaller than a size 18 we would ask you to consider if there might be other groups that you could attend.

Eventbrite for booking

School of Outdoors x Slow Ways

Sunday 17th September 2023 at 10am

Gomshall to Capel

This particular 9 mile linear walk takes in the beautiful surroundings of Abinger, Coldharbour and Capel.

RSVP on Facebook

Slow Ways
Slow Ways is an initiative to create a national network of walking routes connecting all of Great Britain’s towns and cities as well as thousands of villages. It’s designed to make it easier for people to imagine, plan and go on walking journeys, walking further and for more purposes.