As Petersfield is nestled at the foot of the South Downs, where dramatic chalk scarp meets patchwork weald, heavily wooded sandstone hills and colourful open heath, it offers a striking location for this exciting new walking festival from 20th - 27th August. 

Organiser Malinka van Der Gaauw tells us about the special community aspect of this festival and makes a particular appeal for help: 

Petersfield’s first walking festival is just around the corner and bookings are doing a brisk trade. It seems that people from far and wide have heard about our beautiful corner of Hampshire and are keen to come and explore. Many of our walkers are coming from London, with some even travelling in from Edinburgh.

Social media has been a great tool for promotion, but it doesn’t really tap into the heart of a community. This can only be reached by connecting with people, such as PeCAN subscribers, who actively support important local causes. 

One incredibly worthwhile cause local to Petersfield is The Rosemary Foundation. Their hard-working and compassionate nurses provide a hands-on nursing service for people suffering from cancer and other life-limiting conditions, within their own homes. Remarkably, this hospice at home service is free of charge. As such, the foundation, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, relies entirely on the goodwill of the community to raise money and provide donations. 

Thanks to support from Shine Radio and one of its presenters Suzie Wilde, walk 45 on the festival programme – A Walk On The Wilde Side – was going to be a community fundraising walk in aid of The Rosemary Foundation. However, due to unforeseen circumstances we have unfortunately had to cancel the walk.  

As we would still like to show The Rosemary Foundation that their local community cares as much about them as they do about us in our hour of need, we are hoping the lovely people of Petersfield might be willing to visit their festival walk page and instead of registering to walk, make a donation. No amount is too small, and every penny will help when and where it is needed most. Thank you.

You can visit walk 45 and make a donation to The Rosemary Foundation HERE.

With more than 46 walks on offer over the 8 days there’s something for everyone. But with more than half of the walks fully booked at the time of writing we suggest that you book your place as soon as possible! Look at the festival programme to choose a walk and book your place, and for links to free self-guided walks in the local area to suit your ability, dates and interests.

Petersfield Walking Festival is run entirely by volunteers, with sponsorship from Petersfield Town Council, Sustainable Communities Fund, Hampshire County Council and The Petersfield Society.