Dales Walking Festival kicks off a fortnight of free walks!
This year’s Derbyshire Dales Walking Festival launched on Monday 18 May, with the first a series of free walks planned all the way through to Saturday 30th May.
Organised by Derbyshire Dales District Council (DDDC), the festival celebrates National Walking Month with treks of a variety of distances to suit different abilities and interests.
The Walking Festival kicked off with a launch event in Matlock’s Hall Leys Park, where walkers were met by friendly walk leaders who guided them round the routes. Walks included the choice of a fully accessible social walk around the park, and an hour-long loop following the tree-lined river Derwent.
The DDDC’s Health Walks Coordinator, Sam Barton, said: “There really is something for everyone. The Festival builds on the successful programme of community walks that take place here in the beautiful Dales throughout the year, supporting local communities to maintain active lifestyles and improve the health and wellbeing of local people.”
A variety of walks are planned over the next two weeks, including two family focused events during half-term week: a family nature walk around Ashbourne Park on Wednesday 27 May and a treasure trail in Bakewell Park the following day, Thursday 28 May.
Over the coming fortnight walkers can choose from a strenuous 10.5 mile hike from Eyam taking in ascents of 1,700ft, an evening bat walk starting in Matlock Bath, Nordic Walking in Darley Dale’s Whitworth Park, and a 5am dawn chorus walk in Bradley Woods near Ashbourne.
Other Festival starting points include Monyash’s Magpie Mine, Matlock’s Hurst Farm, Ashbourne, Rowsley, Middleton Top and the Lumsdale Valley.
For the full Festival list and to book into any of the walks, complete the registration form online at www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/walking-festival. Places are limited for most walks.
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For more information, please contact: Anna Paxton on 01629 761196; email: anna.paxton@derbyshiredales.gov.uk or Cara Marchant on 01629 761128; email cara.marchant@derbyshiredales.gov.uk