For those who do not feel confident about completing a walk of 5-10 miles, there is a second group, Walks (Shorter) that usually walks fortnightly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Created by popular demand we have a separate programme of walks that go at a leisurely pace and are generally three to five miles. We don’t brag about the distance but they generally last around two hours not counting the refreshments afterwards. When feasible local buses are used. There is often time to take photographs as well as to stop and admire the local scenery. At the end of the walk there is usually an opportunity to have refreshments and to continue the chatter.
Enthusiastic walkers can, of course, join both groups!
If you would like to join the short walks group, please contact Debbie Davis (Tel. 07919659341 ) or email
Any group member who would like to lead a walk, should also get in touch.
Details of these walks will be regularly emailed to group members. For queries regarding these walks then please contact the relevant leader. Please also check with the leader beforehand if you wish to bring a dog.
| DATE | LOCATION | SHORT WALK LEADER | DAWDLE LEADER |
| Wednesday 27/9/23 | Stanton Moor | Donna Hawkins | Roy Jones |
| Saturday 14/10/23 | Stone Centre | Nigel Neale | X |
| Wednesday 25/10/23 | John Anderson | Donna Hawkins | |
| Saturday 11/11/23 | Ashover | Hilary Essen | X |
| Wednesday 22/11/23 | Anna Williams | Donna Hawkins | |
| Saturday 9/12/23 | Ashford in the Water | Iseult Cocking | X |
| Wednesday 27/12/23 | NO WALK |
Health and Safety
Whilst walking with the Matlock U3A Walking Group 2, each person is responsible for their own health and safety. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing (waterproofs, sunhat etc), carry a bottle of water and a small first aid kit. If you need a comfort stop, please tell either the leader or backmarker. Please inform the leader if you have a health problem that may affect you during the walk.
Walkers are encouraged to put in their wallet an emergency contact details card (emergency contact name and telephone number, doctors name, and relevant medication).
Initially, walks were held monthly but now we are trying to have them twice monthly, but this will depend on the number of volunteer leaders. We share transport or use buses and generally walk in the Matlock area as there are so many good walks here such as in Lumsdale, Bonsall, Darley Dale and Cromford, Lea and Holloway.
Also please remember to follow the Country Code
- Keep to paths across farm land
- Fasten all gates
- Guard against all risks of fire
- Leave no litter
- Keep all dogs under proper control
- Safeguard water supplies
- Protect wildlife, plants and trees
- Avoid damaging fences, hedges and walls
- Go carefully on country roads
- Respect the life of the countryside