Funding Available with the 2026 YHA Festival of Walking
Up to £1500 towards the cost of a residential and £500 towards a day walk during the YHA Festival of Walking (11th September - 11th October)
20% accommodation discount at participating hostels
No deadline - each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
The YHA Festival of walking is back for its fifth year on Friday 11th September - Sunday 11th October. As part of the event, they are offering grants to community groups that want to get involved. You can apply for up to £1500 towards the cost of a residential and £500 towards a day walk. During the festival you can also access a 20% YHA funded discount at participating hostels.
The YHA Festival of Walking
This event aims to encourage people to experience YHA hostels, to get involved in walking and to develop their confidence and skills. You can expect a month-long programme of free guided walks from hostels across England and Wales, along with the opportunity to participate in your own independent walks.
The Festival of Walking is organised by The YHA, a social enterprise charity established in 1930 as part of a movement to improve access to the outdoors. The YHA works with community groups through their free-to-join membership programme - YHA Outdoor Citizens - which offers exclusive opportunities to support people to access the outdoors.
About The Funding
During the festival, community groups can access a 20% YHA funded discount, at participating YHA hostels. You can also apply for up to £1500 towards the cost of a residential and £500 towards a day walk. There is no specific deadline to apply. However, there is a limited amount of funding available and each application will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
What can the funding be used for?
The funding can be used to cover all or part of the cost of accommodation, food, group transport, essential volunteer expenses (eg - travel) and/or specialist staff costs (eg- hiring a walk leader). Costs not listed above will not be eligible for this funding and will not be considered.
Who can apply?
Your group or organisation but be an Outdoor Citizens member. This membership is free to join. You can find out more, see who is already part of the network, and sign up on their website.
The focus of your planned event must match the aims of YHA Festival of Walking
Your group or organisation must be not-for-profit. They cannot accept applications from Private Limited Companies unless they are working in an equitable partnership with a not-for-profit group.
Your group or organisation must be based in England or Wales.
Priority will be given to groups who haven’t taken part in the festival before, or who are new to offering residential or day walks as part of their community offer.
How to Apply
The first step is to send an email to outdoorcitizens@yha.org.uk briefly outlining the plans for your event - who will attend, what you will do, and what you are hoping to achieve. They will then be in touch to let you know how to proceed or to ask for more details. Don’t forget to mention that you saw this opportunity via All The Elements!
