Such is the popularity of this interest group, that there are now three groups that each walk once a month in the Peak District. Each group is kept to a limit of approximately 15 so that there are usually about 10 members on each walk. This is to ensure safety as we often walk in challenging terrain. Watch out for news of vacancies in any of these groups.
The walks are usually between 9 and 13 miles in length and can involve substantial ascent. No previous experience necessary, but you do need to be reasonably fit. Boots, waterproof clothing, packed lunch and a rucksack are essential. As journey times are usually over an hour (and sometimes as much as 1 hour 45 mins) each way, this is a full day's outing. Transport is by members' own cars and many choose to car share. The normal departure time from Southwell is 8am, but this can vary with season. In order to extend members' experience, each member of the group is required, either individually or with a buddy, to plan and organise at least one walk each year. Walk leading is shared by group members in rotation. Members are supported in this activity by the group leader who is an experienced walk leader.
Regular walk dates: The groups aim to walk once each month throughout the year: Group 1 - 4th Wednesday, Group 2 - 1st Wednesday, Group 3 - 4th Thursday.
Peak District Walking Group1 is currently full. We walk on the fourth Wednesday of the month and leave from the Leisure Centre Long Stay car park at 0800 hours. If you are interested in joining our waiting list, please contact Sandy (details in Members’ Area, see top menu) Feb 24 update: Currently we have a couple of vacancies for new members.
Peak District Walking Group 2 currently has a couple of vacancies for new members. Group 2 walks are around ten miles, on the first Wednesday of the month. If you are interested in joining our group, please contact Peter (details in "Members Area", see top menu). You can view some of our walks on this page
Peak District Walking Group3 is also currently full. We walk on the 4th Thursday. If you are interested in joining our waiting list, please contact John (details in Members’ Area, see top menu) You can view some of our walks here.
Planning walks: Click here to access the optional Walks Planning Template and example .PDF files of some of our walks
Lake District Walking The walking groups' fun and experience is further extended by holding annual walking breaks in the Lake District. The most recent was in Spring 2022: Twelve members recently spent a week based in Keswick, getting to grips with the Lake District’s Northern Fells. The weather was particularly kind, with blue skies, clear mountain tops and no rain! As well as tackling three Wainwright summits, they enjoyed other wonderful sights, including – but certainly not limited to - the beautiful Borrowdale Valley, Derwentwater, Keswick, Ullswater, Aira Force waterfalls and many, many more. Here are photos of the trip:
From our Archives:
Take a look at the slideshow of photos from that trip, and others, below: