Region: East Midlands

'Because of its geographical size the Region has divided itself into five County Networks of U3As: [1] Derbyshire - - - : [2] Leicestershire & Rutland - - - : [3] Lincolnshire - - - : [4] Northamptonshire - - - : [5] Nottinghamshire.'

'The Amber Valley area offers many opportunities for walkers, horse riders and cyclists of all abilities to get out and about.  There's a wide variety of way-marked routes that include spectacular scenery, quaint villages and fascinating local history.'

'The district consists of three towns and many smaller villages situated in beautiful countryside that offers expansive views, especially from the highest points in Nottinghamshire, which sit within Ashfield.'

'This site of special scientific interest (SSSI) is one of the most important sites for conservation in the East Midlands. In 1929 sand and gravel extraction began, providing materials and infrastructure in the Nottingham area.  After a period of restoration the now water-filled pits and islands provide food, shelter and freedom from disturbance for many species of wildlife.'

'The Council has a wide range of fantastic green spaces, these provide the opportunity for an enjoyable walk, a family day out and to keep in touch with nature.'

'Explore the beautiful borough of Broxtowe on foot  ...'

'Our programme contains regular walks throughout the year from four miles upwards and from easy to strenuous. There are walks accessible by public transport and by car. We feature themed walks, evening walks, and rambles for the visually impaired – and are the main contributor to the local Walking Festival.'

'The name Countesthorpe originates from the 11th century when the area was part of the marriage dowry of the Countess Judith niece of William the Conqueror. The "thorpe" part of the name is a variant of the Middle English word thorp, meaning hamlet or small village.'

'The East Midlands encompasses a host of interesting places to explore. In the west is the Peak District National Park, with wonderful days of walking. Lincolnshire to the east is England's 2nd largest county, and is an outstanding area of ever-changing landscapes, from magnificent Lincoln Minster to stunning Stamford, a famous Stone town. In between there are lovely rivers, ancient castles, historical tales and arresting architecture to uncover - real gems which many don't know of, but which maybe they should!'

'A landscape of gentle rural valleys and vibrant urban cultures. Find out about the region's magnificent limestone landscapes and national parks. Explore Britain's turbulent agricultural history and find the clues for it in the landscape today. Discover some of Britain's most diverse cities and relish its variety and cuisine. Understand how the urban centres of Derby, Nottingham, Leicester and Lincoln grew into thriving towns.'

'Local farmer Henry Archer made if possible for Blaby District Council to acquire land to provide the public with a large countryside area which is now called Fosse Meadows. The land had been used as farmland and so to diversify the landscape and habitats, woodlands were designed and over 30,000 trees have now been planted ...'

'Enjoy the delights of Greasley's beautiful countryside through this series of Monday evening walks.'

'The picturesque moated remains of Kirby Muxloe Castle are surrounded by grassed areas and a moat, perfect for picnics or walks. There are also a number of benches situated throughout the grounds.'

'Details of countryside, canalside, village and town footpaths and walking trails can be found ... '

Access to details of Spice Walking Groups in: [1] Ashbourne - - - :[2] Burton - - - : [3] Derby - - - : [4] Grantham - - - : [5] Lincoln - - - : [6] Mansfield - - - : [7] Matlock - - - : [8] Newark - - - : [9] Stafford- - - : [10] Uttoxeter

'The rambling club was founded in 1931 and uses a coach to transport us predominantly to the glorious Peak District, on alternate Sundays throughout the year. The coach removes the stress of driving, cuts the cost of motoring, is environmentally friendly and enables you to relax in a pleasant sociable atmosphere, especially coming back after a walk.'

'The Archaeological Way programme is aiming to develop an 11 mile (18.5km) multi-user trail between Pleasley Pit Country Park and Creswell Crags, to provide a key missing section of the Derbyshire - Nottinghamshire trails network. Phase 1, from South Shirebrook to Poulter Country Park, was opened to the public in spring 2015.'

'This walk of 17kms/11 miles from Ashby St. Ledgers includes walking along The Jurassic Way, goes via Braunston and then The Grand Union and Leicester Canals towpaths to Norton Jc and returns to Ashby St. Ledgers.'

'Links together those churches in the Dronfield area which have bells. In particular, the towers at Dronfield, Old Whittington, Norton, Dore, and Hathersage.'

'Follows some of the waterways of Boston including The Haven, the Hobhole drain and the Maud Foster drain, as well as passing through two nature reserves (Havenside and Hobhole Bank). A great walk to see a variety of wildlife. The walk uses drain and river side paths which may be muddy in places.'

Market Harborough to Northampton: 'Connecting the two towns via a high quality traffic-free path through the countryside, the Brampton Valley Way provides the perfect opportunity for a family day out.'

'To mark H.M. The Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002, the Parish and Town Councils of Braunstone, Enderby and Leicester Forest East, and the Stepping Stones Countryside Management Project agreed to work together to promote six countryside walks connecting the three parishes. (The paths used for these walks also cross a fourth parish, Lubbesthorpe, which is served by a yearly parish meeting instead of a parish council.)' ALERT Neither the Leciestershire Villages Website referenced here nor the description of Walks arising from the LCC Stepping Stones Project now seem to be available online. You could try browsing through the alternative Website I have referenced instead ...

'This walk takes you to the four peaks that define Charnwood Forest. Along the way you will pass the oldest rocks in Britain, visit historic deer parks and take in some spectacular views. Charnwood Forest is famed for its craggy hills and dry stone walls, but is also rich in wildlife. Look out for buzzards circling on the updrafts from the hills.' ALERT At Review, details of this Walk were not accessible on the National Forest Website.

'Explores the varied countryside just beyond the suburban fringes of Chesterfield.'

'Extends from the River Wye and Pavilion Gardens in Buxton to the confluence of the River Dane with the River Wheelock at Middlewich - a measured distance 40.6 miles. After the first 3 miles of climbing the rest of the route is generally downhill.' Note that Discover Cheshire no longer seem to provide access to a description of the full route via their Website.

'The Derby & Sandiacre Canal ran from the river Trent at Swarkestone and climbed through 3 locks to the Trent & Mersey Canal and Swarkestone Junction on the Trent & Mersey canal thence to Sandiacre on the Erewash canal, with a line to Little Eaton where it met a plateway.'

'Recreational Route circumnavigating the City of Derby. It has been created to celebrate 75 years of Derby Nomad Ramblers which was established in September 1935.'

'Conceived by members of the Derbyshire Area Rambler's Association in 1970. The route starts at Derby Cathedral and ends in Edale. Much of the way follows the eastern Gritstone edges. A booklet was published by Thornhill Press ... Unfortunately this booklet is now out of print ... The booklet is available to download ... Please note that the booklet was published some 20 years ago.'

'Long distance footpath running 20 miles through beautiful countryside in the heart of England. The trail starts in Chipping Warden, Northamptonshire and ends in Kineton, Warwickshire.'

'Takes in over 30 miles of waterway and countryside on the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire border. There are many shortcuts and links across the trail which connect communities and provide shorter local loops and split the trail into smaller sections.'

'The Hidden Valleys is a lush, undulating expanse of countryside to the north of Nottingham, the historical gateway to Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest. Many ancient forest parks still remain in the Hidden Valleys landscape.' ALERT PDF originally cited here not found at Review; so linked instead to a more generic guide.

'Trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders in the Peak District. Running from Dowlow, near Buxton, to High Peak Junction, Cromford, it follows the trackbed of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway.'

'Visits Foxley, Farthingstone and Fawsley Park to end in Greens Norton at the northern terminus of the Grafton Way. Much of the route passes through attractive countryside formerly owned by the Knightley Family of Fawsley Hall.'

'A twelve-mile long green corridor running through the city along the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal. It is regionally important for wildlife and comprises a network of open spaces, nature reserves and parks ...'

'Longshaw Limber celebrates the Centenary of the National Trust. It takes in some of the best that the Peak District has to offer and yet it starts within 15 minutes of England’s fifth largest city, Sheffield ... This is my log of the Longshaw Limber challenge walk. As promised by the route description I found splendid scenery, haunting moorland, old halls, gritstone edges, a famous village and 4,200ft of ascent! The walk was designed by Paul Pugh.'

'Explores the changing countryside in Northwest Notts. Not so long ago this was a walk to work but with time to heal it is becoming mature landscape with signs of man's intervention blending back to nature.'

'Long Distance Footpath that joins Harby in Nottingham with Westminster Abbey.' ALERT At Review, the original Website seemed no longer to be available, so I have Linked instead to a historical description on the LDWA Site.

'From Lincoln Cathedral to St Denys' Church, Sleaford. Brings together the rich history, heritage and local stories of the area. It has many beautiful artworks, churches, interesting landscapes and picturesque skies.'

'Circular trail in East Northamptonshire, devised in 2012 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee.' ALERT Unable to access the Website originally referenced here; so replaced with Link to viewranger.