Walk this way – autumn walks with a National Park Ranger

The autumn programme of guided walks with National Park Rangers is available online now with the aim of helping more people enjoy the Peak District National Park.

The seasonal walks include fungus forays at Chatsworth and visits to Kinder Scout. Many of the walks are suitable for families with children and there are more challenging routes for keen hillwalkers too.

Ranger Andy Farmer said: “We have organised a varied programme of guided walks to appeal to people for a variety of reasons – if you are new to the area, or want to visit somewhere different, or you need fresh air and exercise, or you want to find out more about your neighbourhood, there’s something for everyone.

“Our National Park Rangers have a wealth of knowledge about ‘their patch’ and are always keen to share their stories and encourage people to enjoy the countryside.”

People need to book on the walks by phoning 01629 816270. There is a charge of £3 per person and on some walks family tickets are available. The money is used to help maintain paths and trails in the Peak District National Park.

The seasonal selection of guided walks are available on http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/events

Here are a few of them:
Saturday October 17 Wincle and Dane Valley Autumnal Odyssey  10.15am to 3.00pm 5 miles. A walk around the woodlands of the Dane Valley exploring the local history of Wincle Parish. Meet by the entrance to Danebridge Fisheries.

Sunday October 18 Let’s Look for Letterboxes!  10.45am to 4.30pm 9 Miles. An exploration of the moors of Kinder Scout above Edale to seek out hidden ‘letterboxes’. Letterboxing began in 1854. Strenuous, with steep ascent/descents, over open moorland. Meet at the Moorland Visitor Centre, Edale. Park in the village car park.

Saturday October 24 Walk with a Ranger from Millers Dale  11am to 4pm 5 mile walk on patrol with a Ranger, exploring the landscape of the White Peak. Easy terrain along good tracks, with some ascents and descents and a few stiles. Meet at Miller’s Dale Old Station car park. Family ticket available.

Autumn in Chatsworth Park: Ancient trees and Fungi  10am to 12 noon 2 miles. Join ranger and wildlife expert Steven Bell in Chatsworth Park to look at ancient trees, fungi and rutting deer. Easy terrain in parkland, with some long grass. Meet near the toilets at the main car park at Chatsworth House. Binoculars useful. Booking essential, cost £3 per person. Family ticket available.

Sunday November 8 Aircraft Wrecks of Kinder  9.45am to 4.30pm 11 miles. A strenuous Remembrance Day walk to visit some of the aircraft crash sites and wrecks on Kinder Scout. Meet at the Moorland Visitor Centre, Edale. Park in the village car park.

Saturday November 28 1659 – Cheshire’s ‘Matterhorn’  10.30am to 3.30pm A 6 mile walk to Cheshire’s ‘Matterhorn’, Shutlingsloe (1659ft), over open access moorland with panoramic views. Some steep slopes and rough ground. Meet at Trentabank car park.