Top UK mountaineer Andy Cave and rising Olympic athlete Ellie Koyander will get the Peak District & Derbyshire Walking Festivals 2010 off to a flying start at a spectacular Super Saturday launch event in Buxton on April 24.
Barnsley-born Andy, who climbed the notoriously difficult Himalayan mountain Changabang in 1997, and Tideswell-based Ellie (18), the UK's number one women's Mogul freestyle skier, will join in the all-day fun – much of it free – at the Pavilion Gardens.
Both will be urging people of all ages to get active during five festivals brought together under one banner by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire – the area's official tourist board – to create what is believed to be one of the largest and longest programmes of its kind on the UK mainland.
Andy and Ellie will officially start a charity walk on the Promenade in aid of the Macular Disease Society. Andy – who scaled the infamous north face of the Eiger at just 20 years old – will then officially launch the Peak District National Park Authority's Outdoor Recreation Strategy, a framework for recreation opportunities for all over the next ten years.
"The Peak District & Derbyshire has so much to offer," said Andy. "With a map, some imagination and a little daring it's easy to find adventure. The variety of walks is endless and it is surprisingly easy to find solitude if you seek it out.
"The new access bills have helped a lot. The rock climbing here is world famous, and suitable for people of all abilities. You can climb more or less all year round. The cycling is great too, and there are some brilliant trails for both families and beginners.
"The challenge for most of us is taking the first step and simply heading out. Whatever you get up to, time spent outdoors in this area is always fun. I feel very lucky to live here."
Super Saturday marks the start of Peak District & Derbyshire Walking Festivals 2010 (
www.visitpeakdistrict.com/walkingfestivals), which includes:
The Peak District Walking Festival, April 24 to May 9
The Peak District's Historic Border Country Walking Festival, May 15 to 23
Footsteps in the Forest: the National Forest Walking Festival, May 22 to June 2
Autumn Footprints: The Amber Valley and Erewash Walking Festival, September 11 to 26
Derby Walking Festival, September 18 to October 17
