Step forward for Autumn Walking Festival

People are being invited to dust off their boots to join in a celebration of the great outdoors.

The annual Autumn Footprints Amber Valley & Erewash Walking Festival features 16 days of walks, from Saturday, September 10 to Sunday, September 25.

Set in the heart of picturesque Derbyshire, this Walking Festival offers a range of 34 guided free walks. 

The event has previously proved to be very popular with both inexperienced and experienced walkers. 

The walks, led by volunteers and staff from more than 20 organisations, will take place in Amber Valley and Erewash – two areas which are well known for their natural beauty, superb scenery, industrial heritage and attractive towns and villages.

The Walking Festival will begin on Saturday, September 10 with the first walk of the festival at Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre. 

This is a circular three-mile walk at 10.30am which looks at the history and wildlife of Shipley Country Park.

Walking Festival co-ordinator Marion Farrell, from environmental organisation, Groundwork, said: “Walking is a wonderful way to make new friends, learn more about the area and get fitter. 

“All the walks are free and are led by volunteers who are keen to share their knowledge of this beautiful part of Derbyshire.”

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 gradients, ranging in length 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. 

Booking is advised for all walks and essential for some. To book your place for any walk, please check www.autumnfootprints.co.uk or call Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre, Telephone 01629 533991.

This ever popular festival is jointly organised by Erewash Borough Council, Amber Valley Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, several parish councils, community groups and Groundwork.

For further information, please contact Marion Farrell at Groundwork on 07801 122494 or visit www.autumnfootprints.co.uk