top of page

Walkfest Survey results 2026

​​

Our Walking Festival continues to be a cherished local event, bringing together walkers of all ages to explore the scenic Gloucestershire countryside, canals, and heritage sites. Here is a breakdown of the latest participant survey feedback with a little help of AI.

​

Key highlights & demographics

  • Overall Experience: The vast majority of participants rated their experience as "4" or "5" (out of 5), describing the event as a relaxed, happy, and well-organized community staple.

  • Age Range: Most respondents fall into the 55–75 age bracket, with solid representation from younger walkers (35–54) and older participants (75+). Organisers are actively focusing on accommodating working professionals and families as well, and will be introducing more evening walks and weekend choices into the schedule. Our Teddy bear walk for families was very well received and could be a repeat next year!

  • Postcodes: Local engagement is high, with the vast majority coming from GL10 (Stonehouse and surrounding villages), alongside visitors from GL2, GL5, GL6, GL11, GL12, and further afield.

 

Festival format & duration

  • The overwhelming consensus favours keeping the current format so next year's dates will be Friday 3 - Sunday 12 September

​

Funding & Fees

  • A large portion of attendees feel strongly that Walkfest should remain free so that everyone in the community can participate. A suggested donation could be requested for special activities or bus transfers.

  • The walking festival is run entirely by volunteers. This year it was funded by Stonehouse Town Council and the Gateway Trust. We will be looking at funding again for 2027 so that we can afford to keep it free for everyone and offer little extras like bus transfers. All donations are very welcome.

 

What walkers want more of

  • Canal Regeneration Walks – These routes generated significant interest and consistently high scores.

  • History & Heritage Walks – Many walkers specifically noted they love learning about Stonehouse's local heritage and requested even more historical commentary from leaders.

  • Wildlife & Tree Walks – Highly favored by nature enthusiasts, with several requests to repeat wildlife-spotting routes and to repeat specialised ideas like "forest bathing".

  • Walks with Food Options (farm visits, cheese production, pub stops)

  • Evening Walks were widely requested, particularly by individuals looking for options outside of daytime working hours.

  • Niche & Special Interest – the event on the Ship Inn Community Space, 

  • Events at the Ship Inn Community Space including activities such as the Teddy bear walk and zip wire which attracted the whole family including grandparents. Nordic walking taster sessions were also enjoyed.

  • Walk Distances – A balanced mix of easy walks (up to 3 miles), moderate walks (up to 6 miles), and longer routes (12 miles+ or hikes to Woodchester Park). 

    • Respondents explicitly highlighted the need for fully accessible walks to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations or health changes.

    • ​​There is strong demand for a steady supply of easy walks (under 3 miles), with multiple notes from walkers looking for routes their partners or spouses could comfortably manage.

 

Constructive feedback & suggestions

  • Pacing & breaks: On uphill or longer routes, leaders are asked to pause briefly for slower walkers to catch their breath before moving on.

  • Clarity on start points: A few attendees noted minor confusion regarding exact meeting points and requested clearer signage or descriptions.

  • Logistics & safety:

    • Requests for walk leaders to use microphones where groups are large.

    • A gentle reminder for participants to mind the placement of pointed walking sticks in crowded groups.

    • Discussion around dog-friendly options versus no-dog policies on specific routes.

  • Booking Demand: Several walkers mentioned that popular walks fill up very quickly.​

​

A Huge Thank You From the Committee!

The Walkfest Committee extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to complete this year’s survey. Your valuable feedback is instrumental in keeping our festival vibrant, inclusive, and community-focused. We are especially grateful to the incredible individuals who stepped forward and offered to lead or back-mark walks next year—our festival simply could not happen without your generosity and local expertise.

 

The committee will be in touch in the New Year to begin planning, so in the meantime, have a wonderful festive season and start thinking about where you might like to take us on your next walking adventure!

 

If you'd like to contact us with your ideas for next year please send us an email or fill in our walks proforma!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regarding the age range the walking festival aims to encourage younger people to participate next year by adding more evening walks.

 

 

Here is the updated article section highlighting the initiative to attract younger participants next year:

 

🌟 Future Focus: Engaging Younger Walkers

While the festival remains highly popular among the 55–75 and 75+ age demographics, organizers are actively focusing on expanding the event's reach next year. To better accommodate working professionals and families in the 35–54 age bracket—as well as even younger generations—the festival aims to introduce more evening walks and weekend choices into the schedule.

Providing options outside of standard working hours will give local residents who are busy during the day a better opportunity to lace up their boots, connect with the community, and explore the beautiful Stonehouse landscape.

bottom of page