In 2013, at a meeting of ideas and interests, two people with work in progress in the interior of the Algarve, more precisely in the parish of Ameixial (Loulé), presented the idea of organising a walking festival to Loulé Town Council and the local parish council. The aim was - and still is - to reveal the natural and cultural heritage of this area, to contribute to revitalising the local economy and to promote sustainable development, in this case through ecotourism and cultural tourism. The pitch of Walking Festival Ameixial (WFA) immediately received the support of the above-mentioned organisations, the population of Ameixial and many people who, since then, have never stopped supporting the festival and visiting the parish every year.

The walking festival was inspired by the concept of the “Walking Festivals” that take place in other countries and has the following basic principles: to bring friends together in a specific area to go walking, to promote the values of the region, to support the local economy, and to raise awareness among communities and organisations about preserving heritage and developing environmentally sustainable practices that add value to the area.

The specific choice of Escrita do Sudoeste, which is something very localised in this mountain territory, was the consensual choice for the festival's identity. This ancient form of writing is the special element that distinguishes this festival from others. For this reason, it has been present at each edition of the Ameixial Walking Festival and transports us to a territory rich in unique heritage elements.

The first event, in 2013, was a success and attracted dozens of participants from all over the Algarve and other parts of the country. Since then it has grown and taken on regional and national notoriety.

In 2016, several members of the WFA organisation founded the Cooperativa QRER, with the mission of contributing to the sustainable development of the Algarve's hinterland. This entity has taken on the promotion and co-organisation of the festival since its 4th edition which was held that year.