Autumn Footprints In The Amber Valley

The fifth Autumn Footprints Amber Valley and Erewash Walking Festival gets under way next month, with 32 guided walks, map reading for beginners, and the occasional appearance of Little Grey Rabbit:-)

The festival is taking place in Alison Uttley country - hence the strictly non-compulsory rabbits - and it's an opportunity to explore the countryside outside the Peak District National Park. So, if you've seen a bit too much of Kinder Scout and Stanage Edge recently, this could be an alternative. To get to the Amber Valley, head south of the Peaks, between Nottingham and Derby, and you're on the right track.

Over 800 people attended the event last year and, as you'd expect, the organisers hope it will be bigger and better this time round. Kick-off, of the pedestrian variety, is on Saturday 8th September, but if the diary's looking a bit full around that time you'll be pleased to know that it spans 16 days - that's three full weekends of Amber Valley walking potential.

The programme includes wildlife walks, heritage walks, for those with a taste for local history, and orienteering, as well as a full programme of guided rambles. Browse the full list or contact the Amber Valley Tourist Information Centre to book your place. Tel: 01773 841488, e-mail touristinformation@ambervalley.gov.uk.

North Cornwall Walking Festival

The Amber Valley isn't the only walking festival on the horizon either. A little further down the line, from 7th to 12th October, the first ever Boscastle Walking Festival is set to descend on North Cornwall. Guided walks will take visitors along the Cornish coast, managed by the National Trust, and there'll be a literary theme to this one too, of the Thomas Hardy variety this time round.

Some more sedentary activities, such as boating trips, have also been included in the programme, for non-walking other halves.

More information from the Boscastle Visitor Centre - tel: 01840 250010, e-mail: boscastlevc@btconnect.com.