Each autumn, Appleby-in-Westmorland invites walkers to explore the Eden Valley Walking Festival, a five-day event threading through some of Cumbria’s most rugged and rewarding landscapes. The routes range from easy village strolls to challenging upland treks, allowing hikers of all abilities to engage with this land fiercely present in its own pace and character.

Starting in Appleby, a town with medieval roots and cobbled streets that bear witness to centuries of footfalls, the festival offers walks that probe the Eden Valley’s dynamic geography. Snake along forest trails where moss clings thick to the ground, following streams that murmur and dare you to keep pace, or ascend into open fells where the wind pushes you onward, carrying distant views of the Pennines and Lake District peaks.

Distance options vary, with typical festival walks between 5 to 12 miles and elevation changes spanning 300 to 700 feet—manageable for most with a decent fitness level and proper preparation. Terrain shifts from gentle riverbanks and farmland paths to rugged limestone pavements and heather-topped hills, demanding sturdy footwear and alert footing. Expect stony tracks that sometimes challenge your balance, and muddy patches that feel like the land itself is testing your resolve.

Timing is key. Morning starts help avoid afternoon bogs and maximize daylight for sweeping vistas. Hydration is essential; water sources are frequent but always verify before relying on any, as natural springs can fluctuate with the seasons. Dress in layers—Cumbria’s weather shifts on a whim, with brisk mornings and afternoons that warm quickly or turn chilly without warning.

The Eden itself is a companion with personality, lively currents nudging canoes and whispers through reed beds. Trees along the banks rustle as if exchanging secrets about the walkers below. Wildlife pauses briefly: a buzzard circling overhead, a deer pausing at the edge of a clearing before melting back into the trees. The festival embraces this dialogue, encouraging respect over domination.

Practically, local pubs and cafes in Appleby provide perfect bases for warming after a day’s walk, serving hearty portions that restore energy. Engage with local guides who add context, linking the natural landscape with storied history—the old castle walls, market traditions, and tales embedded in the soil.

Whether you're chasing a brisk paced hike or seeking quiet moments cradled by nature’s tenacity, the Eden Valley Walking Festival funds a direct line to Cumbria that is both demanding and rewarding. It’s a call for preparation, stamina, and curiosity—a walk with a pulse all its own.