Wingfield Manor Distance: 3.8 miles Time: 1.20hr  Difficulty: Easy Parking: On a pull in along Inns Lane Elevation: 420ft Perched above the village of South Wingfield, Wingfield Manor stands as one of Derbyshire’s most impressive medieval ruins — a vast 15th‑century great house whose broken towers and courtyards still dominate the surrounding hills. Built in the 1440s for Ralph, Lord Cromwell, Treasurer of England, the manor was conceived as a statement of wealth and power, combining luxurious domestic spaces with fortified features typical of the late medieval elite.  As you begin your walk, you’ll notice how the manor’s elevated position was carefully chosen. From here, Cromwell could oversee his estates while enjoying a residence that reflected his status. The layout — with its double courtyards, great hall, gatehouses, and high tower — became influential in later aristocratic architecture, inspiring designs at places such as Haddon Hall and even Hampton Court.  After Cromwell’s death, the manor passed to the Talbot family, Earls of Shrewsbury, who held it for nearly two centuries. Under their stewardship, Wingfield became entangled in national events. Most famously, it served as a place of confinement for Mary, Queen of Scots, who stayed here during her English captivity in 1569 and again in the 1580s. Her presence brought political tension, rumours of escape plots, and a household so crowded — more than 200 people at times — that the Earl complained the manor had become “unsavoury.”  The manor’s fortunes declined during the English Civil War, when it was held by Royalist forces, besieged, and later deliberately damaged (“slighted”) to prevent further military use. By the 1770s it was abandoned, leaving the dramatic ruins that now rise above the fields.  Today, Wingfield Manor is closed to the public due to structural instability, though it remains a striking landmark visible...

Aqueduct Cottage Matlock Sunday, April 26  •  1 PM – 3:15 PM Get involved in the Derbyshire Makes Festival with the heritage craft of hazel basket making. Join professional basketmaker Rachel Evans for an engaging afternoon session exploring the traditional craft of hazel basketry, set within the beautiful woodland surroundings of Aqueduct Cottage. Participants will have the opportunity to observe demonstrations of split‑wood basketmaking, handle examples of finished baskets, and learn about the techniques and heritage of this ancient craft. Hazel basketry is a lesser‑known technique compared to willow work and is currently listed on the Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts. Only a small number of makers continue this practice. Rachel began learning hazel basketmaking in 2020 and has since been awarded grants from Heritage Crafts to study historic basket forms—including the whisket and cockle basket—as well as support from the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers to complete a year‑long split‑wood basketry course in 2025. The session will begin with a short walk to identify suitable hazel rods and discuss how to select, harvest, and prepare materials responsibly. You will gain an understanding of how seasonality and habitat affect the qualities of the wood. Then, using hazel coppiced by Rachel and additional rods gathered onsite, participants will be taught traditional processing methods, including splint removal and dressing the wood with a knife to create weaving strips that you may take home. Please note that this course takes place outdoors in a woodland environment. While there will be tarpaulin-covered areas for shelter, conditions may be cold or wet, so appropriate clothing is essential. Due to the natural terrain, the site may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. Hazel basketry is a physically demanding craft—significantly more strenuous than willow work. Participants with existing hand, arm, or shoulder difficulties may find aspects of the...

Shining Cliff WoodsAmbergate, Derbyshire Sunday, April 26  •  1 PM – 4 PM A hands-on woodland adventure of fire, shelters and wild play! Children 5 years and over are invited to step into the wild for our Children’s Woodland Adventure this April. This 3 hour session is all about hands-on play and discovery in the woods. Designed especially for outdoor loving, curious kids! We will be learning to make a safe fire to cook up a tasty treat, building shelters, discovering water filters and exploring through imaginative play and games. This session is aimed at 5-9 year olds. (Over 5 years only, but upper age limit is flexible.)This is a children’s drop off session, they will have an epic adventure whilst you get chance to take time for yourself! However, we know that all children are different, so if your young explorer needs a little extra support, you are welcome to stay and enjoy the fun! BOOKING: Spaces are limited to a maximum of 12 Booking closes 24hrs before the event. Please book early to avoid disappointment What children will need for their adventure – We will provide hot chocolate and a campfire treat, but please bring any other drinks or snacks they might want. Sturdy footwear for the uneven and sometimes muddy paths is a must. The whole session is outdoors, so lots of layers as it can get chilly in the woods. We have much more fun if we are warm and dry. (We can use the woodland hut if necessary.) A waterproof coat is always a good idea. Waterproof trousers are great too if you have them. Your child’s safety is priority. Our woodland sessions for children have a maximum of 12 participants with two leaders. The leaders on the day may be Bonnie or Kate and...

Event by Simon Evans and Derby Nomad Ramblers The Roaches Upper Hulme ST13 8UB Duration: 4 hr 45 min Public  · Anyone on or off Facebook Walk leader is Graham Hodder (07804 911188). The walk starting location is from Roach Road, The Roaches, Upper Hulme. What 3 words are lashed.picturing.houndedGrid reference is SK006618Post code ST13 8UB The walk will cover the following walk to locationsRoachs Road,The Roaches,Luds Church,Danebridge,Hanging Stone,Roaches Hall. We’d love to see you there, lunch is at Wincle Brewery but do feel free to bring a packed one, so bring your own flasks and sandwiches if you prefer. More information on the facebook page here Related posts: Milton and Carver Rocks Foremark Reservoir Walk Sunday walk 29th March starts 9.45am! Wednesday 18th March Walk – St Helen’s Church Etwall DE56 6LP Walk Derbyshire – The Roaches

The parents of a teenager helped by me&dee are preparing to take on an epic walking challenge in aid of the charity, which helps families facing short and uncertain futures. Jonny Cooper and Lauren Mabb are set to embark on ‘100 Miles for Memories’, which will see them walk 100 miles around the Anglesey coastline in just four days. The couple aim to complete the challenge in just four days, setting off on 25 April. me&dee helps families where a potentially life-limiting and often rare illness is diagnosed by providing everything from private group swimming sessions and unique tailor-made outings for families to support for siblings through craft sessions and a specialist bereavement support group. Since its start, the charity, which was recently presented with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service, has supported more than 9,000 families. Among them is Jonny and Lauren’s family – and now, the couple want to give something back. In a statement, they said: “When we first met the me&dee team three years ago, we had no idea just how much they would change our lives. “What they’ve given us since then is more than holidays or days out – they’ve given us memories we never thought we’d be able to make as a family. “Thanks to me&dee, we’ve enjoyed two fully accessible, stress‑free holidays where, for once, everything felt easy. “We’ve had countless family days out that allowed us to simply enjoy being together, without the usual barriers or worries. “Every time, we were welcomed with warmth, kindness, and a genuine sense of care. They didn’t just support us – they made us feel like part of their family. “And that’s exactly what they’ve become to us. Now, we want to give something back.” Jonny and Lauren are now calling on the Bondholder community to back...