Grab your walking shoes for the first ever Derby Walking Festival

May 2019 will see the first ever Derby Walking Festival take place in Derbyshire, a celebration of walking and walks throughout the city.

 

Running from Sat 18 – Sun 26 May the festival will explore some of Derby’s fascinating heritage on suburban and urban strolls throughout the city and out into the county. Derby Parks and Move More Derby would like people from across Derby to get involved and take part in one of the many and varied walks scheduled during the festival.

 

With a mixture of themes including historical, wildlife, walking sports, community and family walks taking place the festival programme has a walk to suit everyone.

 

A special addition to the festival is Woofs and Walkies on Sun 19 May at 10.30am. In partnership with Scarsdale Vets, walkers are invited to bring their pooch for a leisurely stroll before joining a fun afternoon of stalls and activities at Pride Veterinary Centre. All money raised from the afternoon will be donated to Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.

 

Families looking to get out and about with their little ones will love the many educational and wildlife walks taking place throughout the festival. On Fri 17 May at 9pm there will be a Bat Walk around Markeaton Park with the Friends of Markeaton Park and Derby Bat Conservation Group. Whilst Beyond the Pencil, an organisation dedicated to providing creative and educational experiences, have organised several events during the week, including Science in the City on Sat 18 and Fri 24 May at 10am. They will also be running a Stargazing Walk around Alvaston Park on Thu 23 May at 9pm, and From Venus to Mars on Wed 22 May at 11am, a walk around the inner Solar System, exploring Alvaston Park’s Science Garden with stops for some hands-on science.

 

Taster sessions will also be available as part of the festival, giving people the chance to get involved with activities they may not have thought to try before. Perfect for anyone to play regardless of age or fitness, Walking Netball sessions will run throughout the week at various locations including Derby Arena on Mon 20 May. Whilst the extremely popular Buggybabes will also be running sessions on Mon 20, Tue 21 and Thu 23 May in Darley Park, this walking based exercise class is the perfect opportunity for new mums to get out and about and try something new in a fun and friendly group setting. Anyone looking to try something completely different will enjoy the Nordic Walking Free Taster on Wed 22 May, run by Core Concept Mid Derbyshire Nordic Walking Group this 45 minute session encourages walkers to understand just how beneficial Nordic walking can be and how it is far more than just walking with poles!

 

The first walk to kick off the first ever Derby Walking Festival will be Hidden History at Chellaston Brickworks on Sat 18 May at 10am. An exploration of the history and changing face of Chellaston Brickworks Local Nature Reserve. This will be the first of many historical walks to take place, including Six Street History Trail, Historical Evolution of Markeaton Park, and many more walks designed to suit all levels and abilities by the Move More Derby team.

 

For a full list of walks please visit inderby.org.uk/derbywalkfest. Some walks require booking. Most events are free, and all ages and levels of fitness are welcome. Visit the Derby Parks Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates on Parks news and events, and get involved with Derby Walking Festival on social media with #derbywalkfest.

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