Each spring, Matlock in Derbyshire transforms into a playground for walkers of every stripe during the Derbyshire Walking Festival. This annual event offers a chance to engage with the Peak District’s varied landscapes — from gentle riverside strolls to steep climbs that challenge heart and leg. With routes spanning from 2 to 15 miles, participants encounter everything from lush, forested footpaths where sunlight filters down through ancient oaks, to exposed gritstone edges revealing sweeping panoramas that demand a moment’s pause.

The terrain here doesn’t just sit quietly; it tests and rewards. Expect cobbled village streets giving way to fields carpeted in wildflowers and rugged uplands shaped by millennia of wind and water. Elevations vary — some routes climb steadily over 400 feet, engaging muscles and lungs but never crossing into the territory of expert climbing. The air carries the scent of earth and moss, while the iconic River Derwent rushes beside you, its current seeming to pull you forward.

The festival’s charm lies in its blend of community spirit and raw adventure. Walks are guided and organized, providing safe structure for casual walkers yet enough freedom for seasoned hikers to push their limits. Preparation is straightforward: sturdy waterproof boots because of patchy wet terrain, layers to adjust as weather shifts fast, and hydration packs to keep pace with the exertion.

Weather here can be brisk even in summer mornings, so setting out early avoids afternoon crowds and captures the landscape bathed in softer light. The Festival is not just about ticking off miles — it’s an invitation to feel the land’s fierce character, to understand its rhythms, and meet fellow travelers drawn by the same pull of open trails and open sky.

Beyond walking, Matlock itself offers plenty: historic architecture, welcoming pubs for post-walk recovery, and local shops supplying last-minute gear. The Derbyshire Walking Festival is a gateway to experience the Peak District’s raw edges as well as its subtle comforts, crafted for anyone eager to move through nature thoughtfully and actively. It’s a practical adventure — straightforward but never simple — that promises both challenge and connection.