Enjoy the autumn air with walking festival
PEOPLE are being invited to enjoy some seasonal trips out into the Derbyshire countryside during the annual Autumn Footprints Amber Valley & Erewash Walking Festival.
The 16-day event, which starts on Saturday, offers a range of 29 free guided walks and has proved to be very popular with both new and experienced walkers.
The walks, led by volunteers and staff from more than 20 organisations, will take place in Amber Valley and Erewash. These two areas are well known for their natural beauty, superb scenery, industrial heritage and attractive towns and villages.
The festival will begin on Saturday with the first walk starting from Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre.
All walks are by booking only – so people are being reminded to secure their place.
The first walk is a circular route of three miles, starting at 10.30am, which looks at the history and wildlife of Shipley Country Park.
Walking festival co-ordinator Marion Farrell, from Groundwork, said: “We are very pleased to be able to offer a great range of walks this September. Walking is a wonderful way to make new friends, learn more about the area and get fitter.
“All the walks are led by volunteers who are keen to share their knowledge of this beautiful part of Derbyshire.”
The walks are free of charge and will take place in areas of local heritage and natural history interest, taking walkers alongside rivers and canals as well as through towns and villages.
They are of varying lengths and gradient, ranging from one mile to ten miles, offering something for everyone no matter what their interests or abilities. They are all led by knowledgeable local people who are enthusiastic to show off their local patch.
To book your place for any walk, check the website for details – www. autumnfootprints.co.uk – or call Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre on 01629 533 991.
The festival is jointly organised by Erewash Borough Council, Amber Valley Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, several parish councils, community groups and Groundwork.
Some of the walks taking place are:
SHORT HERITAGE WALKS
In the Footsteps of the Rebels of 1817 (Swanwick, 4.5 miles) on Saturday,
September 11, at 2pm
In the Footsteps of the Rebels of 1817 (Alfreton, three miles) on Sunday, September 12, at 2pm
The History of Long Eaton in 20 Buildings (three miles) on Tuesday, September 14, at 10am
In the Footsteps of the Rebels of 1817 (Ripley, four 4 miles) on Wednesday, September 22, at 10.30am.
Family Sensory Walk on Saturday, September 18, at 10.30am at Shipley Country Park.
Health Walks include Shipley Hall (2.5 miles) on Tuesday, September 14, at 2pm and Whiteley’s Plantation on Tuesday, September 21 at 2pm (2.75 miles).
Extend your Woodland knowledge with Know your Trees in Risley on Sunday, September 19, at 2pm and The Young People’s Forest on Saturday, September 25, at 11am.
MID-RANGE COUNTRY WALKS
Duffield Church Car Park (4.5 miles) on Monday, September 13, at 10am
Risley- Ockbrook Circular (six miles) on Wednesday, September 15, at 10.30am
Lewis Wilson Memorial Walk (six miles) on Thursday, September 16, at 10.30am
South Wingfield and Pentrich Revolution Walk (five miles) on Saturday, September 18, at 10am
Around Crich Stand (5.25 miles) on Saturday, September 21, at 10am
Codnor Park Reservoir (5.7 miles) on Friday, September 24, at 10am.
LONGER COUNTRY WALKS
Three Morleys and the Mound (8.5 miles) on Sunday, September 12, at 10.30am
Ilkeston, Shipley and Mapperley (8.5 miles) on Monday, September 13, at 10am
Shining Cliff to Wyver Lane, (7.5 miles) on Friday, September 16, at 10am
Golden Valley Ramble (eight miles) on Sunday, September 19, at 10am
Lea, Dethick and Holloway (7.8 miles) on Sunday, September 20, at 10am
By Stanton By Dale (eight miles) on Thursday, September 23, at 10am
Hills and Canal (nine miles) on Saturday, September 25, at 10am
Draycott, Ockbrook and Hopwell (seven miles) on Sunday, September 26, at 10.30am.
Nordic Walking taster sessions are also being held on Thursday, September 23 and Saturday, September 25.