Join us for 1 day or 3 in the stunning Peak District this May – we have walks for all levels from History to Hedgerow foraging in both the White and Dark peaks.

There are long and short walks, in the hills and Dales all full of views and all at a pace that suits YOU!

Come with friends, come alone ( you won’t be for long) or come as a group – either way YOU can choose which walks and how many you join. We also have a HUB with workshops and social events ( including the Kings Coronation celebration event)

Here are just a few to tempt you….

VIEWS, VILLAGES & LANDSCAPES

We explore delightful tranquil villages that are famous for well dressings, steeped in history and dotted with pubs, tearooms and stately homes. We explore Tissington Village  (site of the first Peak District event we held) Mapleton and Mayfield to name just a few. We also visit Dales and climb some peaks (how could we not!)

The walks take in the splendours and variety of the White Peaks with its steep limestone valleys and rolling landscape to the Dark Peak with its dramatic gritstone ridges and stark moorland plateaus like Kinder Scout, and the Derbyshire Dales  with chocolate-box villages and valleys nestling in gentle countryside.  With so many walks to choose from including the iconic Dovedale with its famous stepping stones ( we venture there before and after the crowds) and the stunning Lathkill Dale which characterises the parks southern area in the White Peaks where nature has healed the scars of its Industrial past to create an idyllic wild landscape you are really spoilt for choice four our three day event.

All levels of walkers, with and without poles, will find something of interest and with the pace and terrain that works for them

HISTORY  & INTRIGUE

The Peak District is steeped in history and our knowledgeable guides will help you discover everything from musket holes in a 12th century church door where a siege linked to Bonnie Price Charlie took place to the vast industrial heritage that shaped the landscape.

There are gentle walks that explore the flora and fauna, walks that give you the chance to sample the local fare. All walks will soon show on the schedule and will open to pass holders a few weeks later

We will also explore the DAMBUSTERS training ground at Derwent Reservoir with it’s huge Dam used for training. We also have some TREKS to the WRECKS which take in the aviation secrets of the Dark Peaks and finally……….. we will walk the route of the famous MASS TRESPASS to Kinder Scout in 1932 which helped secure the access to open spaces that we take for granted today.

More walks are being added daily!

Now onto the workshops……………..

The Festival HUB is right in the centre of the lovely town of Ashbourne so you can mix learning and trying new skills with a browse in the independent shops, galleries and eateries.

GO WILD – Our workshops range from the mindful and gentle to fitness techniques and more ……………..

Why not try BUSH CRAFT with Ken Hames MBE (ex SAS as seen on TV – see below) or learn how to connect with nature when walking with  our WILD HEDGEROW TEA session and a deeper walk with nature using principles of SHINRIN YOKU  or Forest Bathing as it is more widely known  Discover the birds of Derbyshire and learn more about how to spot them and identify them with ease.

The WALX HQ experts will also be on hand to deliver everything from advanced Nordic Walking technique to Understanding poles and how to use them to get the results YOU want.

Come and try the WALX poles with expert tuition or attend a resistance workshop to find out why strength training is vital as we age.

Learn how to move fast with poles and how to prepare for SKI holidays and WINTER SPORTS with our amazing WALX MASTERS including Nicky Parsons our cross country skiing and ski conditioning expert.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

We like to make sure our walkers are in peak condition too – pardon the pun! Informative presentations  with our partners like Pellitec, Grubs boots and local medical experts cover everything from FOOT HEALTH to TAKING CARE OF YOUR KNEES

We love to Embrace all kinds of outdoor exercise and have a very holistic approach to health including TAI CHI MOVEMENTS FOR WELLBEING with our expert June Holden or a range of YOGA based walks and workshops that help you to relax and workout gently in the great outdoors.

From Rise and Shine early morning yoga sessions to a yoga flow walk or a the assist and resist workshop – you will feel energised and keen to join our Yoga WALX with your local group or on -line with the HQ team.

THE TEAM ARE BUILDING THE FINAL SCHEDULE NOW AND WILL OPEN UP THE ACTIVITIES TO PASS HOLDERS IN DUE COURSE  – WATCH IT ALL UNFOLD CLICK HERE

AND FINALLY …… FOOD and SOCIAL EVENTS

It wouldn’t be a WALX event without some foodie themed walks!  Not only will we be exploring how nature can provide a range of delicious hedgerow teas but we will be walking to a local eatery to try out some of the delicious Derbyshire Oatcakes. These are a major favourite with the team here at HQ and are not what you might expect at all. They come in a range of savoury combinations and will make any walk worthwhile!

SOCIAL EVENTS

On SATURDAY morning there is a CORONATION walk followed by a ROYAL BUFFET with a choice of foods, including Coronation Chicken and of course Victoria Sponge!

Later in the evening at the HUB, there is a brilliant band and a choice of lovely meals from a HOG ROAST to VEGAN WRAPS which you can pre-order once you have a FESTIVAL PASS (just pop into your personal account and you can choose there)

The festival is also proud to be hosting a FRIDAY NIGHT FUNDRAISER FOR DERBYSHIRE MOUNTAIN RESCUE who provide vital support and advice to WALX and everyone who ventures into this dramatic landscape.

A Life of Adventure with Ken Hames MBE
at The Royal Oak, Mayfield, DE6 2BN
Friday 5th May 2023
6.30pm to 10.30pm
£22.50 per person (includes dinner)

Join Ken Hames MBE, ex SAS, for an evening devoted to adventure and the great outdoors. His adventures have taken him to some of the remotest places on earth and he has led more than 30 expeditions worldwide. Ken spent 30 years in the Army then pursued a career in TV, as well as leading expeditions helping veterans. More
recently, he has featured on Countryfile promoting the future of our amazing countryside
as a place to learn and improve both physical and mental well-being. Ken has had a
fascinating life and hopes you will join him at this fund-raising event to help purchase
critical supplies to save lives. The charity receives no direct support from the government
and relies mainly on donations from the public and other organisations.

This particular social event is nearly full so please book this in advance asap using this link CLICK HERE

This is the amazing team from WALX Derwent and Dales who are working so hard to make this event a real WOW – they will make you feel very welcome and ensure you leave with a huge smile! Please support them by booking early!

So, that just a snapshot of what is happening in the Peak District from 5th – 7th May –  GET YOUR PASS NOW to make sure you get the best choice of walks when they open for booking to pass holders on in late March

TO BOOK CLICK HERE AND CHOOSE THE PASS THAT WORKS FOR YOU