Around 300 themed walks and outdoor activities in the Peak District & Derbyshire can now be browsed – and many booked on-line – for what is thought to be one of the largest and longest programmes of its kind on the UK mainland.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, has brought together five events to create Peak District & Derbyshire Walking Festivals 2010, starting on April 24 with a spectacular Super Saturday launch event in High Peak Borough Council’s Pavilion Gardens, Buxton.

Peak District Walking Festival

Anyone keen to take part can now browse the interactive Walking Festival Guide, order a paper copy and book on-line for many of the options on the tourist board’s website, at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/walkingfestivals.

Copies of the Guide are also available at Tourist Information Centres and Visitor Centres across the area.

Peak District & Derbyshire Walking Festivals 2010 includes:

• The Peak District Walking Festival, April 24 to May 9
• The Peak District’s Historic Border Country Walking Festival, May 15 to 23
• Footsteps in the Forest: the National Forest Walking Festival, May 22 to June 2
• Autumn Footprints: The Amber Valley and Erewash Waling Festival, September 11 to 26
• Derby Walking Festival, September 18 to October 17

“Our extensive and varied programme of Walking Festivals offers a brilliant way of exploring and experiencing our beautiful and unique area, by relaxing and recharging during a revitalising short break,” said David Thornton, Head of Marketing and Deputy Chief Executive at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

“Some of the walks are free – and this year, for the very first time, visitors will be able to book and pay for many of the activities on-line, as well as being able to check instant availability and book accommodation on our website.

“We’ve made the process quick and simple, to encourage as many people as possible to come and visit to sample some fun, fabulous scenery, fresh air and first-class food, drink and places to stay – whatever their age, fitness levels and interests.

“And to whet everyone’s appetite, we’re staging a free, all-day Super Saturday launch event in Buxton, featuring everything from charity walks and a climbing wall to Nordic Walking and skateboarding – to give people a taste of what will be on offer throughout the spring and autumn.”

Free educational facilities

Other highlights of Super Saturday will include archery sessions, demonstrations by Buxton Mountain Rescue, an orienteering event, pony and trap rides and a display by Kingsley Falconry & Bird Centre, near Cheadle.

For younger visitors there will be face painting and free educational activities organised by the Peak District National Park Authority’s Losehill Hall Education Centre.

The day will also feature the launch of the Peak District National Park Authority’s new Recreation Strategy – a framework for recreation opportunities for all over the next ten years, and the launch of the Peak Photography Competition in partnership with Buxton Festival.

Main sponsors for the Peak District & Derbyshire Walking Festivals 2010 are Peak Pursuits, the Pavilion Gardens, Yeomans and Go Ape. Other supporters include Buxton Water, the Camping and Caravanning Club, Lafarge Cement UK’s Hope Works, Groundwork Derby & Derbyshire, all local authorities in the Peak District & Derbyshire and the National Forest Company.

Walking through some of the England’s most outstanding scenery is one of the joys of a visit to the Peak District and Derbyshire.

With four separate festivals to choose from and with a wide variety of themes, there’s something to suit all ages and abilities.

The Peak District Walking Festival – April 24 to May 9 2010

The Peak District Walking Festival is one of the largest and most varied festivals in the country, with more than 100 walks led by expert and knowledgeable guides, from National Park Rangers and archaeologists to ecologists and ghost hunting experts! All ages and abilities are catered for and as well as new challenges like rock climbing or caving, you’ll be able to take part in guided cycle rides.

The Peak District’s Historic Border Country Walking Festival – May 15 to 23 2010

The Peak District’s Historic Border Country sits between the Peak District to the west and Sherwood Forest to the east and has some of the best unspoilt and undiscovered countryside, which you’ll be able to explore in the Festival. The programme includes many guided walks to suit all ages and abilities, including the ‘Longest Walk on the Longest Day’ – a 34 mile walk which circumnavigates Chesterfield, keeping the spire in view most of the time.

Footsteps in the Forest: National Forest Walking Festival – May 22 – June 2 2010

Footsteps in the Forest walks offer a great range of short, medium and long guided walks across the varied landscape of The National Forest. Discover canals, rural villages, reservoirs and woodlands and hear fascinating facts about the wildlife and local heritage of this beautiful area. Led by local enthusiasts who are keen to show visitors around the area, there is something for everyone, whatever your interest and abilities.

Autumn Footprints: Amber Valley & Erewash Walking Festival.  Sept 11 to 26  2010

Autumn Footprints includes a wide variety of walks from between one and fifteen miles and covers themes such as natural history, local heritage, rivers and canals or towns and villages and map reading. The programme will be available from mid-summer 2010.

Derby Walking Festival – September 18 to October 17 2010

The Derby Walking Festival.

Set in the compact, friendly city of Derby steeped with fascinating history, a vibrant culture and rich heritage providing the perfect setting for this festival.

More information

Order your 2010 Peak Disrtict Walking Festivals Guide.

Peak District and Derbyshire Tourist Board