The 2013 Chesterfield Area Walking Festival now in its 7th year will be the largest one to date with 58 walks taking place from the 11th to 19th May.
Walkers can enjoy our beautiful countryside, charming villages and one of England’s oldest market towns. Highlights include the ‘Bess of Chatsworth’ walk to discover the beginning of the Cavendish legacy and a linear walk from the Crooked Spire Church out to Bolsover Castle.
The ‘Beast’ of a walk is a 20 mile hike round Bolsover passing historic houses along the way and taking its title from the fearsome nickname of local MP and keen walker Dennis Skinner.
There really is something for everyone from a one mile toddle for families and young children to a longer stroll for less seasoned walkers, up to a challenging 34 mile trek for serious hikers. All ramblers and strollers can take part in the walks, with most being free.
There’s also the ‘Chesterfield Murder Walk’, an atmospheric tour around this medieval town in the footsteps of murderers and their victims, and the ‘Chesterfield Art Trail – From a Crooked Clock to a River of Rock’, a chance to discover the town’s amazing works of art by famous artists such as Barbara Hepworth, Angela Conner and David Mach. How about a sensory walk offering ‘Mucky Hands and Muddy Boots’ or a mystery trail looking for hidden signs and ‘treasure’?
Most walks are free of charge but numbers are limited so booking is essential. For a full programme of walks, or to book your walks please see www.chesterfieldwalkingfestival.co.uk or contact Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre: 01246 345777/8. Tickets are selling fast so don’t miss out – book your walk today.
