Masson Mills, part of the Derwent Valley Heritage Trails.

Nordic Walking UK Instructors Sam Armstrong, Nicky Parsons and Heather Watson all offer varied programmes across the stunning county of Derbyshire and also work together to ensure their groups get to fully enjoy the variety on offer.

Sam has been an Instructor for over 5 years and has an established group, she says

” I have covered an awful lot of routes so choosing a favourite walk for this area is quite an ordeal as the area offers so much. I can literally walk from my house or take a short drive in the car to a stunning location – mainly in the ‘White peaks’ which is closest to me. In the week we tend to walk regular routes around  the stunning Kedleston Hall , Ashbourne  and  Allestree Park  but at the weekend we offer longer walks  always including a fabulous feast at the end of it!”

Nicky travels around the world coaching cross country skiers and leading ski tours and expeditions but when she’s in the UK she is a Tutor for NWUK and leads inspirational sessions including a local Heart group. She links up with Sam and Heather, a local Physiotherapist who specialises in Occupational health as well as running activity programmes across the County.

Together they love Derbyshire with a passion and would love to share these favourite walks with you:-

1. RIVER DOVE WALK

A lovely walk down quiet Hall Dale, with superb  views of the River Dove before crossing the river from Staffordshire into  Derbyshire and walking along the dale to picturesque Milldale. Find more info here and dont forget to call into the George which is one of the best pubs in the area.

2. CARSINGTON WATER

An easy walk through pleasant countryside with excellent views over Carsington Water one of Derbyshire’s most popular tourist attractions now. The walk along the dam wall affords good views over the reservoir, often busy with sailing craft, particularly at weekends and during  the summer. For more info on the walk see here . The girls can recommend a bite to eat or a  drink at The Red Lion Hognaston 

3.OSMASTON PARK

This is a lovely relaxing walk through Osmaston Park woodlands to the pretty village of Shirley Osmaston – click here for details . Osmaston village is full of thatched cottages, resembling a chocolate box image! In the park there is an old water mill which resembles a Swiss style chalet and if you park at Shirley instead of Osmaston you can also visit The Saracens Head

And finally, you can’t visit Derbyshire without taking in the Chatsworth Estate – this walk is simply not to be missed according to the Girls. Providing magnificent views over Chatsworth Park going through Beeley, Calton Houses and Edensor. Its worth starting out early so you have the time to take in a vist to the stunning Chatsworth house (known as The Palace of the Peak) too. If you still have time for food, there is one final pub on the favourites list!! –  “We love this one because it has home cooked food and and a small shop where you can buy local bread and produce”  The Old Smithy Beeley

It’s clear that the Girls and their groups view Nordic Walking as a lifestyle rather than simply a way to get fit and they make the most of all their stunning County has on offer. Sam sums it up with “I love my  county, every walk always impresses. In rain, sun, snow, frost and wind we will be there!

Find out more about Sam here

Find out more about Nicky here

Find out more about Heather here

Find Instructors right across the UK here