The National Forest Walking Festival is gearing up to celebrate a significant milestone marking the 10th anniversary of the 75-mile National Forest Way. To kickstart the festivities, popular Derbyshire influencer Sam Culley, boasting a dedicated following of more than quarter of a million followers on Instagram alone, has recently completed a taster walk along 17 miles of the long-distance route. It’s the very same walk which people can enjoy during the walking festival.

A seasoned explorer and advocate for outdoor exploration, 33-year-old Sam Culley’s involvement underscores the beauty and challenge of the National Forest Way. Through his captivating content and passion for nature, Culley regularly inspires his audience to embrace the great outdoors and embark on their own adventures.

He said: “I’ve been hiking since I was a kid. My parents used to take me, but my real love for it came at 17 when my dad took me on a long-distance hike called the Pennine Way.

“Both my mum and dad have hiked in the National Forest numerous times. I love anything from one-mile walks immersed in nature, to long-distance hikes like the 1,200 Lands’ End to John O Groats hike I completed a couple of years ago.”

Rooted in the heart of the country, the Forest, spans 200 square miles across Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire, and holds a remarkable history waiting to be discovered. It stands as a testament to landscape-scale transformation. From once being dominated by black coalfields and grey clay pits, the Forest has evolved into a vibrant tapestry of green canopies and wildlife-rich habitats. Today, it is still one of the boldest environmentally led regeneration initiatives, showcasing the transformative power of trees in rejuvenating landscapes, fostering communities, and stimulating economic growth.

Scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, walkers eager to follow in Culley’s footsteps are invited to join walk leader Zoe Sewter, volunteer and wellbeing officer at the National Forest, on the same journey through time and nature. Commencing at 9am from South Street car park in Ashby de la Zouch (LE65 1BT), participants will embark on a strenuous yet rewarding 17-mile trek taking around eight hours and involving varied terrain.

This special anniversary walk promises to be an unforgettable experience, offering walkers the chance to explore stages five and six of the National Forest Way, weaved together to form a circular route. From the charming market town of Ashby de la Zouch to historic landmarks such as Staunton Harold, Calke Abbey, and Carver’s Rocks, walkers will be immersed in the rich tapestry of the National Forest’s landscape. This walk will take you on an adventure past some of the oldest trees in the National Forest, and some of the youngest!

“Join us as we celebrate a decade of the National Forest Way, embracing the beauty and diversity of our natural surroundings,” said Zoe Sewter, “This walk not only offers a physical challenge but also an opportunity to connect with the vitality of the National Forest.”

Sam said: “I’ve absolutely loved hiking along the National Forest way. I’ll be back to do more soon.”

The National Forest Walking Festival, now in its 15th year, features a variety of trails and experiences for all walking levels and abilities and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the Forest. The popular festival, celebrated for its commitment to promoting outdoor exploration and celebrating the natural beauty of the region, invites walkers to delve into the captivating stories that have shaped the landscape. And boasts a record-breaking 94 walks this year. You can see them all at nationalforest.org/visit/national-forest-walking-festival

Although the walk is free, booking is essential by emailing [email protected].