Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival (SMCWF) 2024
A series of walks promoting walking in and exploration of the local area
The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival (SCWF) provides a programme of guided walks and online self-guided walks designed to suit all ages and fitness levels. Special evening talks also take place focussing on the history and heritage of the district. All events are offered free of charge to participants and the festival is managed and staffed by volunteers.
The festival directly supports Maldon District Council’s Corporate Plan priorities of supporting their communities and helping the economy to thrive, providing a programme of inspiring and engaging walks, designed to appeal to all ages, interests and level of physical ability.
The festival also uses walking to promote the benefits of regular exercises, as well as providing attendees with a sense of belonging, helping reduced social isolation. The festival period also aims to promote the benefits of active travel through public transport links across the district beyond and the benefits of visiting local open green spaces to take advantage of the clean and fresh air as a key to better mental and physical health.
The 10-day festival was held from 27 September to 6th October with 511 participants exploring the Maldon District on a series of guided walks. The festival showcased the area's varied landscapes, rich history and diverse range of wildlife. This year’s festival featured a diverse range of walking routes, offering something for everyone - from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes through woodlands and the picturesque countryside.
In addition to promoting the health and wellbeing benefits of walking and being outdoors, the festival also supports the local small business economy. Many walks were scheduled with a stop for lunch/refreshments at local venues to support trade. Active Essex have been a key partner throughout the process in the successful delivery of SMCWF.
The increased participation of partners including Active Maldon, the Essex Wildlife Trust and Maldon and District CVS has proved vital to the delivery of this year's festival. Stronger links have been created between organisations in the district with a willingness to host further walks outside the core festival dates, increasing walking opportunities for visitors and residents.
The festival has seen an uptake in walks across the festival with a total increase in participation of 100%. Due to developing partnerships and the increased promotion of local organisations, more businesses have seen a rise in income due to their festival involvement. The festival has also reached audiences for all over the world, with walkers from the USA taking part.
Key Learnings
Time Management
Walks linked to refreshment/food stops became time consuming and complex
Communication
Need to articulate key festival objectives to all volunteers
