Families in the area are being encouraged to swap screen time for the outdoors as YHA's Festival of Walking returns to YHA this autumn.

With children now spending an average of 45 hours a week indoors* - more than a third of it on screens - the festival is bringing a free, family-friendly discovery and connection walk Cheddar youth hostel on Thursday 17th September.

The walk is one of more than 60 group walks organised by the youth charity, that are taking place at youth hostels across the country.

The five-mile circular walk is led by Mendip Hills National Landscape and will explore nature recovery in Cheddar Gorge and the Mendip Hills.

In addition to Cheddar, youth hostels in Penzance, Treyarnon Bay and Swanage in the south west are also hosting walks during the festival which is taking place until Sunday 11 October 2026,

All the walks start and finish at the youth hostels and are designed to help people of all abilities discover the local areas – both its heritage and landscape.

The Festival spans locations from Penzance to Northumberland, and from London to Liverpool, including urban starting points alongside rural destinations

"The free, child-friendly guided walks are a practical way for families to build confidence in the outdoors while introducing younger people to nature," explained Andrew McCoy, Programme Manager for the YHA Festival of Walking. "They create space to step away from screens, spend time outside together and form a genuine connection with the natural environment. For many, that first experience can be the start of a lasting interest in walking that continues into adulthood."

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Many of the social walks are designed specifically to build confidence in those new to walking, with inclusive options for families with young children and women-only groups also included in the line-up. All guided walks are circular, starting from a youth hostel and ending there with a free 'cuppa and cake' for participants.

The guided events are delivered in partnership with organisations including the National Trust, local Ramblers groups, the Canal & River Trust, Outdoor Adventure Girls and qualified Nordic walking instructors.

Backed by Sport England and other partners, the festival is now in its fourth year and has expanded rapidly since its launch with funding secured until 2027.

The first event in 2022 featured 19 social walks and attracted around 1,550 participants. By 2025, that had grown to 55 walks with approximately 4,300 people taking part.

YHA says the continued growth reflects rising demand for accessible outdoor activities that support both physical and mental wellbeing, while also creating opportunities for social connection.

With a mix of structured events and flexible self-guided routes, the festival is intended to make walking more approachable for families, particularly those looking for simple ways to spend time together outdoors.

Pre-booking is essential. Further details of all walks and booking can be found at www.yha.org.uk/festival-of-walking