We've put together a list of our most frequently asked questions, but if you have a pressing question that isn't covered here or anywhere else on our website, please feel free to contact us and the team will get back in touch with you as soon as possible.
When is the 2023 Eastbourne Walking Festival?
This year's event takes place from Friday 15 - Sunday 24 September 2023
I'd like to find out more information on becoming a Walk Leader, how do I do that?
Our Walking Festival is nothing without the dedication of our volunteer walk leaders that offer up their time and expertise to provide fantastic walks of discovery, education and entertainment. We are always looking for more walk leaders to allow us to continue to expand on our offering. If you have a great route that you'd love to share with others, and are confident in doing so, then head to our Walk Leaders page for more information.
Who organises the Walking Festival?
The Walking Festival is an Eastbourne Borough Council event and is funded and co-ordinated by the VisitEastbourne Tourism department in partnership with Eastbourne's Walking Champion, Gill Mattock.
When will walk submission entries close?
Submissions for 2023 have closed. If you want to submit a walk to be included in the 2024 programme, we will need your submission by the end of April 2024. Submissions will open around March 2024. To express interest contact us.
I have an issue with my ticket, or I need to cancel my place on a walk, what should I do?
If you have an issue with your ticket, or you need to cancel your walk, it is imperative that you reach out to let us know. If you do not turn up for the walk you have booked onto, you would have prevented affording another person the opportunity to attend the walk who may have missed out due to the walk selling out. If you do need to cancel, simply contact us here providing information in the 'enquiries' section about the name and date of the walk you are cancelling.
Is there a maximum time, capacity, or distance for each walk?
Each walk that is submitted by walk leaders has an approximate duration time and distance. The capacity for each walk is also set by the walk leader and is usually between 10-30 participants.
Can I sign up for a walk on the day, or just turn up without a ticket?
No, if you want to participate in a walk, you MUST book a ticket online in advance. Ticketing for each walk will be disabled 24 hours prior to the commencement of the walk.
Can I bring my dog on the walk?
This is at the discretion of the Walk Leader. Some walks are dog friendly, but please check the walk description before you sign up to see if dogs are permitted.
Can I transfer my ticket to another participant if I dont want to go?
No, when you sign up, we collect essential information from you that is needed for health & safety reasons. If you wish to pass your ticket to someone else, you will need to cancel it and have it reissued for the new person. It should also be said that if you are walking with someone else, you will need individual tickets for each participant.
What is the minimum age to take part in a walk?
Walkers should be 16 years of age to take part on their own. If they are under 16 they will need to attend the walk with a parent or guardian.
What clothing and footwear should I wear? Will I need other supplies such as food and drink?
We recommend you wear suitable walking footwear for each walk and bring suitable clothing for every weather condition despite the forecast. You are responsible for ensuring you are well equipped for each walk. You are also responsible for bringing food and drink as needed and we actively encourage taking plenty of drinking water on each walk. You should also bring sun cream and wear hats if the weather is particularly hot.
