As the gentle warmth of late summer mellows the vibrant greens of Surrey, Dorking prepares to lace up its boots for its inaugural Dorking Walking Festival 2025. Running from September 20th to 28th, it is an invitation to reconnect with our stunning natural surroundings, discover hidden gems, and celebrate the unique charm of Dorking.
The programme is packed with diverse and engaging experiences, kicking off with the Festival Launch with Live Music on September 20th at St Martin’s Walk. From there you can delve into history with the Dorking Museum – Historic Pub Walk, explore The Hidden Green Spaces of Dorking and a local brewery with Mole Valley Ramblers, uncover local heritage on The Deepdene Trail and a Railway History Walk. Surrey Hills Society are exploring the North Downs Way, and if photography is your thing you can join Dorking Camera Club for a photo walk.
For our four-legged friends, there’s the Paw Wash Charity Dog Walk, Girls Alive are running a female only Evening Hill Hike, and for well-being, the Walk for Every Story by Surrey Minds Together offers a reflective journey. For families you can join the Friends of Dorking Quiz Walk or the Surrey Wildlife Trust – Wildlife On Your Doorstep, to discover nature around the town, and business owners can join in with a spot of netwalking.
What makes this festival particularly special is its commitment to inclusivity and its celebration of our community. This isn’t just for hardcore hikers; the schedule caters to all ages and abilities. From energetic Nordic walking, dog-friendly routes and accessible paths for wheelchair users like the Surrey Coalition’s St Martin’s Stroll, there’s truly something for everyone. You can learn to sign local landmarks with Include.org’s Stroll and Sign and parents can explore with their babies with Mums on the Move. The festival also proudly showcases and connects participants with existing local walking groups, fostering a stronger, more active community.
The Dorking Walking Festival harnesses the geographical gift of the magnificent Surrey Hills, with a programme that not only highlights scenic routes but also uniquely ensures all walks either start, end, or pass directly through our bustling town centre. This encourages participants to explore Dorking itself – its independent shops, welcoming cafes, and cosy pubs – directly supporting our local economy.
Expert local guides will lead the walks, sharing fascinating insights that bring the landscape and Dorking’s heritage to life. The festival aims to promote walking as a healthy and enjoyable activity, help people discover Dorking’s hidden gems, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Dorking Halls will even show films about walking throughout the festival week.
So, as September 20th, 2025, approaches, we encourage everyone to mark their diaries. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, prepare to be captivated. Pull on your walking shoes, gather your friends and family, and join us in celebrating the extraordinary beauty and vibrant community that define Dorking. View or download the full programme and book your walks at the Hello Dorking Walking Festival Website. Let’s walk together, explore together, and rediscover the magic of Dorking, one joyful step at a time.
