Step out on the Derbyshire Dales Walking Festival
This year's Derbyshire Dales Walking Festival has been launched, with the first in a series of free walks planned all the way through to May 30.
Organised by Derbyshire Dales District Council, 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 District Council'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.”
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.