The successful Derby Walking Festival is back for the 3rd year running, celebrating walking and the many walking routes and opportunities available to you in Derby. The event takes place from Sunday 1 May until Sunday 26 June 2022, and is organised by Derby City Council’s Parks and Active Living Service as lead partner of Move More Derby.
Over 40 walks will take place throughout the city of Derby during May and June, and many are free to attend. There are walks that you can download and enjoy in your own time and walks that will be led by local walk leaders. With a wide variety of in person, self-guided, virtual and active walking, there’s something for everyone. Whether you are looking to enjoy some fresh air, meet new people or explore the city, we invite you to move more!
This event will also support National Walking Month, which encourages everyone to explore their local areas, to walk to school and to work, to walk any and everywhere you possibly can; to the shop, your friends’ house, the park, building walking into your daily life and enjoying the benefits of being outdoors, in nature and with others.
The festival will launch on Sunday 1 May with a Superhero Fancy Dress pebble hunt, a walk created in partnership with Sam’s Superheroes and Rykneld Sports Centre, and will culminate with our finale event Woofs and Walkies, created in partnership with Scarsdale Vets, inviting dog walkers to bring their pooch along for a stroll and a morning of fun in the sun, while raising money for Support Dogs.
A spokesperson for Derby City Council said:
It’s fantastic to welcome back the Derby Walking Festival for a 3rd year, celebrating active lifestyles through encouraging walking in the community. With over 375 parks and open spaces which are beautiful places to relax and explore it’s great to see them playing a big part in Derby Walking Festival. I would urge everyone to put their best foot forward.
Some of the walks are being led by Derby Adult Learning Services. Tutor and Walk Leader Alistair Clark, said:
There is so much research and evidence around these days showing the physical and mental health benefits of getting out and having a walk, but we just can't avoid the fact that it's just a really nice thing to do!
Walk Participant Lenore Thompson, said:
After learning about the range of walks that will be taking place around Derby as part of the Walking Festival, and the really interesting range of experience they will offer, I cannot wait to come along to a few. I simply cannot resist new and interesting ways to explore!
To find out all the ways you can take part in this year’s Derby Walking Festival visit https://www.movemorederby.co.uk/derby-walking-festival and follow the Move More Derby Facebook and Twitter page today to keep posted of all the festival updates and news!
Derby Walking Festival is supported by: Derby Adult Learning Services, Sam’s Superheroes, Rykneld Sports Centre, Urban Life, Artcore, Down to Earth, Parklands View, Derby Book Festival, St Philips Chaddesden, Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Derby, Mickleover Methodist Church, Derbyshire MIND, Evergreen, Furthest From the Sea, Scarsdale Vets, Markeaton Parkrun, Alvaston Parkrun, GoodGym Derby, Buggybabes, Derwent Valley Orienteers, AFC Mackworth, Derby County Community Trust, Derbyshire Cricket Foundation, Hackwood Farm, Sustrans, England Netball, Six Streets, University of Derby, Derby City Sport Forum and the Move More Derby Ambassador Network.