The Crickhowell Walking Festival isn’t just about boots on the hills. This March, the festival brings a compelling series of evening events to Crickhowell, offering inspiration, history, humour and community connection in the heart of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
Whether you’re visiting for the festival weekend or live locally and fancy an engaging night out, these talks and social events add a different dimension to the walking experience.
Saturday 7 March – 7:00pm (for 7:30 start)
£7.00
Presented by LOWA Boots
Do you dream of summiting Everest? Wonder what it’s really like beyond the glossy documentaries and headlines?
Join mountaineer and photographer Tim Kington (LOWA) for a candid, unfiltered account of climbing the highest mountain on earth. This isn’t a polished motivational speech — it’s the honest story of training, funding, oxygen, ladders, logistics, and the realities behind the summit photos.
Tim isn’t a sponsored athlete or full-time guide. He’s someone who balanced work, life and ambition — perhaps just like many in the audience. If you’ve ever wondered whether Everest is possible for “ordinary” people, this evening is for you.
Thursday 12 March – 7:00pm (for 7:30 start)
£7.00
Local historian and author Eliane Wigzell explores the story of the Crickhowell Poor Law Union and its workhouse, set on the hillside of the Dardy overlooking the town.
Drawing from original records — including Board of Guardians minutes and local archives — Eliane weaves together the institutional history with the deeply human stories of those who governed, worked in and relied upon poor relief.
Covering parishes from remote rural communities to industrial towns, this talk offers a powerful insight into Victorian social history and the lived experiences behind it. For residents and visitors alike, it’s a fascinating way to better understand the layers of history embedded in the landscape.
Wednesday 11 March – 7:30–9:30pm
£2 per person (pay on the night, booking essential)
Venue: Function Room, Bear Hotel
The ever-popular Walking Festival Quiz returns with quizmaster Drew Walters.
Expect an eclectic mix of walking, outdoor and general knowledge questions. Teams of 2–6 welcome, with ad hoc teams encouraged on the night — making it ideal for visitors staying locally who want to join in.
A relaxed, sociable evening that captures the spirit of the festival.
Saturday 14 March – 7:00pm (for 7:30 start)
£7.00
Following the death of his wife Angie from cancer, local action man Gwyn Dix mounted his homebuilt hybrid bike and cycled from Crickhowell to Italy to raise funds for Velindre, the organisation that supported her in her final months.
A lively and engaging speaker, Gwyn shares the emotional and physical challenges of his 1,000-mile journey. It’s a story of resilience, love and community support — deeply rooted in Crickhowell and the wider Bannau Brycheiniog area.
Evening events like these:
Extend visitor stays
Encourage midweek bookings
Support local venues and hospitality businesses
Offer meaningful engagement for residents
Crickhowell Walking Festival continues to demonstrate how outdoor events can strengthen both community and visitor economy across Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
Full booking details are available via the official Crickhowell Walking Festival website.
If you run events, provide accommodation or welcome visitors in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, consider joining Brecon Beacons Tourism. Together we strengthen visibility, extend stays and support a thriving local visitor economy.
