This summer saw the completion of improvements to the path between Lady Spencer’s Walk and Newbound Lane on the Hardwick Estate, and to celebrate it is holding a series of guided walks as part of the National Trust’s Great British Walking Festival.

The project was run jointly between Bolsover Countryside Partnership and the National Trust to improve the connection between the Phoenix Greenways and Hardwick, for both walkers and mountain bikers. Funding was received from Derbyshire County Council through the local transport plan in support of the Limestone Journeys Landscape Partnership.

Volunteers from the Hardwick Access Group had identified that this stretch of path was particularly well used and in need of a better surface and steps installing.

“The funding paid for the materials,” explained volunteering and community involvement manager Jo Rawson. “Once the stone and timber arrived on site, work began in earnest and all improvements were carried out manually by our team of Rangers, volunteers and Youth Rangers group who all did a brilliant job.

“The path is enjoyable to walk in all weathers now and it’s made a real difference to our visitors arriving on to the estate by foot and mountain bike.”

Between Monday 8 and Friday 24 September visitors will be able to join in a variety of walks on the estate. Hardwick’s celebrating all things outdoors and has walks suitable for everyone. All walks meet in the Stableyard and are free unless otherwise stated. More information about the walks can be found on the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick or contacting the Estate Office on 01246 850430.

As well as the themed walks, Hardwick’s Walking for Health group meets every Thursday at 10.30am for a 3.5 mile walk throughout the year.

“We’re excited to launch the Great British Walking Festival,” said Jenny Middlehurst, volunteering and community involvement assistant. “It’s a fantastic way for people to get outside, get some fresh air and explore the autumnal landscape.”