The Talgarth Walking Festival 2026 will return over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend with a packed programme of guided walks, talks and community events.

Taking place from Friday, May 1 to Monday, May 4, the festival offers a wide range of routes in and around Talgarth and the Black Mountains, catering for all abilities - from gentle countryside strolls to more challenging upland hikes.

Organisers say the event is about more than walking, aiming to celebrate the landscape, heritage and community of the area.

Walkers can expect experienced local guides, a friendly atmosphere and a mix of classic and lesser-known routes across the long weekend.

Alongside the walks, two evening talks will take place at Talgarth Town Hall. On Friday, Mark Davis will delve into the history and practices of droving, while Saturday’s talk by Stewart Roberts will focus on local wildlife and reconnecting with nature.

The popular Talgarth Fell Race will return on the Sunday. The 14.2km (8.8 mile) route takes runners out of Talgarth across fields to Rhos Fach common, before climbing Mynydd Bychan, crossing the plateau and descending via Rhiw Cwmstab, returning to the town.

With a total ascent of 610 metres (2,000ft), much of it in the first half, the race is classed as a BM fell race. The route will be partially marked, but organisers say navigational skills and local knowledge are important.

The race is open to over-18s only, with registration and kit checks at Talgarth Town Hall from 9am before a 10.30am start at St Gwendoline’s Church.

Sunday will also feature “A Taste of Talgarth”, including events with broadcaster Kate Humble, a guided walk, food in the mill garden and activities for children.

Anyone interested should visit the festival website for full details, walk bookings and tickets: www.talgarthwalkingfestival.org