Festival offers so much!

Opportunities to get out, discover new places and learn new skills are all set to be provided by The National Forest Walking Festival 2019, with more than 90 walks catering for every age, taste and ability on offer.

Organised by South Derbyshire District Council and the Get Active in the Forest project, in partnership with Leicestershire County Council and the National Forest Company, the festival starts this weekend (May 18) and runs until the end of the month.

The walks range from gentle strolls to rambles with others suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and families, giving everyone a chance to take in all that the National Forest – one of the country’s most prized tourism assets – has to offer.

The guided walks include themed events and some which offer a chance to find out more about the area in which they take place or about a particular activity.

Among the activity walks are “Capture Calke on Camera” during which you can get hints and tips on taking better photos, a Nordic Walking Taster Session where you can learn about this calorie-burning activity, and “In the Steps of Servants” which will provide a chance to find out more about the history of some of South Derbyshire’s estates including Foremarke Hall and Bretby Park.

Map-reading, geocaching and orienteering are other activities being offered as part of the packed programme which has dozens of events across Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Leicestershire.

Locations in South Derbyshire being used include Church Gresley, Coton, Hilton, Melbourne, Newton Solney, Overseal, Rosliston, Swadlincote, Ticknall and Willington

Copies of the entire programme with details of all the walks are available to download here.  They can also be picked up from Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre in West Street, as well as at Rosliston Forestry Centre, Ashby Tourist Information Centre and libraries throughout the National Forest area.

Every walk is graded for difficulty and guided walks will be led by an experienced leader. Health walks will be suitable for all ages including those recovering from illness.

Cllr Dan Pegg, Active South Derbyshire Portfolio Holder, said: “There is no better way to discover The National Forest than on foot and the festival gives a chance to learn a little more about the wonderful things that it has to offer.

“We’re confident that there’s something for everyone, from complete beginners to experienced ramblers, and we look forward to welcoming them all to our stunning area.”                             

21 May 2019