The annual Autumn Footprints Amber Valley & Erewash Walking Festival. Set in the heart of picturesque Derbyshire is now underway. Enjoy sixteen days of walks, Saturday 9th September to Sunday 24th September 2017.
The Walking Festival was launched by the Mayors of Amber Valley and Erewash on Saturday 9th September 2017 at Shipley Country Park. Please see attached photograph (from left to right), Marion Farrell (Groundwork) the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Mary Hopkinson, Richard Taylor and Allison Thomas (Derbyshire County Council) and Mayor of Amber Valley, Councillor David Wilson.
The Mayors presented each Walk Leader with an official badge to acknowledge the volunteers’ valuable contribution to the success of Autumn Footprints. Most walk leaders are volunteers and without their enthusiasm this festival would not be possible.
Walking Festival Co-ordinator Marion Farrell from Groundwork, said:
“Do join us on at least one of these free guided walks in the next two weeks. It is a great way to see more of your local area. We hope this festival will inspire more people to get out and enjoy the footpaths of Derbyshire.”
This Walking Festival offers a range of 43 guided free walks over 16 days. The Walking Festival has proved to be very popular with both inexperienced and experienced walkers. The walks, led by volunteers and staff from over 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.
All 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. The walks are of varying lengths and gradient, ranging in length from one mile to eleven 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.
This popular festival is jointly organised by Erewash Borough Council; Amber Valley Borough Council; Derbyshire County Council, several parish councils, community groups and Groundwork Creswell, Ashfield & Mansfield.
Some of the walks taking place are:
• Heritage walks – walks which highlight the Pentrich Revolution march taken 200 years ago Alfreton (3 miles) on Sat 16th, South Wingfield (5 miles) on Wed 20th, and Heage and Lower Hartshay (6 miles) on Sun 24th
• Other Heritage walks – Smalley & Horsley Castle (8 miles) on Tues 19th, Butterley: A Walk Through Industrial History (2 miles) on Sat 17th , .Risley – Ockbrook Circular Heritage Walk (4.5 miles) on Fri 22, Risley Historical Walk (2 miles) on Sun 24 Sept
• Health Walks and short strolls include Scenic Riverside Walk (3 miles) on Thurs 14th, Stoney Clouds Walk (3 miles) on Fri 15th, Amber Valley Routeways 21 Denby (2.5 miles) on Mon 18th, Crich Walking for Health (3.25 miles) on Tues 19th, Belper, River Derwent and Wyver Lane (3 miles) on Wed 20thSept.
• Country walks include By Stanton By Dale (8 miles) on Thurs 14th, Three Morley’s and the Mound (8.5 miles) on Sun 17th, Holbrook, Milford & the Chevin Round (6 miles) on Thurs 21 Sept, West Hallam and Mapperley Circular (6.5 miles) on Thurs 21 Sept, Lower Hartshay (5 miles) on Fri 22 Sept and Dale Abbey & Locko on Saturday 23 September.
Pick up a free comprehensive guide detailing all the walks and events from Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre or Telephone 01629 533 991 and it will be posted to you. Alternatively log onto www.autumnfootprints.co.uk to download the full leaflet from the bottom of the homepage.
The Autumn Footprints Festival offers a great choice of 43 free guided walks. Sixteen days of enjoyable walks and informative talks with something for everyone of all abilities.
