WALX Derwent and Dales

12/09/2026

🇮🇹 WHAT A WEEK IN LAKE GARDA!

With the Pre-Alps rising behind our accommodation and Lake Garda stretching out in front of us, we really couldn’t have asked for a better base for our week of adventure.

Walking, mountains, challenges, laughter and plenty of memorable moments shared with a fantastic group.

And it’s not over yet! We still have a few more days to enjoy before heading home with all those memories.

Here’s Sam and Ken reflecting on the week so far…

Lots more photos will follow soon!

07/09/2026

ANOTHER WALX ADVENTURE!

What a fabulous day exploring the South West Peak.

Starting from Gradbach, we headed out across the countryside and high moorland around Flash, visited the beautiful Three Shires Head and discovered some fascinating history along the way.

Great walking, big views, plenty of conversation and another part of our wonderful local landscape explored together.

This is what our WALX Explorer walks are all about – getting off the beaten track, discovering new places and enjoying adventures with a great group of people.

Where will we explore next?

01/09/2026

WHAT A MONTH FOR WALX DERWENT & DALES

Throughout August, Sam took on the challenge of completing 310 pull-ups for Cancer Research UK — 10 every day for 31 days.

What started as one personal challenge quickly became a real WALX team effort.

Around 20 of our members joined in, taking on their own daily press-ups at different levels — wall, tree, bench or floor — and many have commented on just how much stronger and more confident they’ve become over the month.

Sam started the challenge unable to complete a full unassisted pull-up, but through assisted reps, hangs, practice and consistency, she achieved her first unassisted pull-up during the month and went on to complete several more.

There were tired days, aching muscles, long journeys, scaffolding, playgrounds and plenty of creative places to get the reps done — but the challenge kept going.

Today, several of us met in the park to complete our final pull-ups and press-ups together, which felt like the perfect way to finish.

And the fundraising has been incredible:

£2,082.35 raised for Cancer Research UK
+ £404.47 Gift Aid
2,082% of the original £100 target

A huge thank you to everyone who donated, shared, encouraged, joined in and helped make this such a brilliant community challenge.

It has been about far more than pull-ups and press-ups — it has shown the power of consistency, support and doing something together.

Challenge complete. Stronger together.

The page is still open - it’s not too late to donate.

https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/sams-giving-page-35910780

30/08/2026

MEMBER STORIES | Meet Ros & Jo

What keeps you coming back?

For Jo and Ros, it’s having organised, led walks that give them the confidence to get out, keep moving and know that someone else has done the planning.

It’s also about consistency and routine – having something in the diary each week and people to enjoy it with.

And then there’s the social side. The conversations, friendships, laughs and feeling part of a group.

They’ve noticed the physical changes too. Not necessarily measured by the scales, but a change in body shape, fitness and how they feel.

Confidence. Consistency. Routine. Friendship.

Sometimes the biggest benefits of regular exercise aren’t measured by the number on the scales.

This is what WALX is all about.

21/08/2026

MEMBER STORIES | Meet Chris

When Chris moved from London to Derbyshire, WALX was already part of his life.

He’d been walking with Walx in Bexley and before making the move permanently, he started joining us at WALX Derwent & Dales once a month, using the monthly walk with another WALX group included in his membership.

It meant that when he finally arrived in Derbyshire, there were already some familiar faces waiting.

Now Chris joins us around four times a week – keeping active, exploring the area and, perhaps most importantly, making lots of new friends along the way.

From one WALX community to another.

Fitness. Friendship. Community.

15/08/2026

A little piece of Derbyshire history on foot during our two hour Explorer Walk

Today’s Saturday WALX takes us around South Wingfield, combining beautiful countryside with two fascinating pieces of local history.

Wingfield Station – one of the world’s earliest surviving railway stations.

Wingfield Manor – magnificent ruins sitting high above the village and famously associated with Mary, Queen of Scots.

A lovely circular walk through the Derbyshire countryside – history, views, good walking and great company.

12/08/2026

KEEP SAYING YES!!

When people first come to WALX, they often talk about wanting to get fitter, walk more, improve their balance or simply become more active.

Those are all good reasons to start.

But I think there’s something deeper behind them.

What people really want is to keep being able to say yes.

Yes to the walk.
Yes to the holiday.
Yes to playing with the grandchildren.
Yes to going out with friends.
Yes to that hill.
Yes to trying something new.
Yes to another adventure.

Because the real value of staying active isn’t just about fitness, it’s about continuing to have the strength, confidence and energy to live the life you want.

Fitness means different things to different people

For one person, feeling fitter might mean being able to walk comfortably over uneven ground without worrying about their balance.

For someone else, it might mean having enough strength to manage the garden, carry the shopping or get up and down from the floor more easily.

Another person might be planning an active holiday, wanting to tackle longer walks or dreaming of spending more time in the hills.

There isn’t one definition of fitness.

And there certainly isn’t one starting point.

What matters is having enough strength, balance, stamina and confidence for the things that are important to you.

READ MORE ON THE BLOG

When people first come to WALX, they often talk about wanting to get fitter, walk more, improve their balance or simply become more active. Those are all

11/08/2026

MORE THAN JUST A WALK!

What is remarkable about this?

Just look at these incredible members many in their 60s, 70s and beyond showing how strong, capable and active they are. They don’t do this occasionally either; many join us several times a week!

WALX helps improve health, strength, confidence and motivation, while building lasting friendships and a true sense of belonging.

From fitness and Wellbeing sessions to Explorer walks and adventures. We help people build an active outdoor lifestyle that keeps them strong, healthy, connected and able to keep saying yes to life.

Join us across Kedleston, Allestree, Belper and Ashbourne.

Come for the exercise. Stay for the friendship, support and feel-good factor.

09/08/2026

When I look back to 2008, when I founded this business, what does this journey feel like today?

It has been an incredible journey of change, growth, and friendship taking our members to beautiful places across the UK, including the stunning Derwent Valley, the Derbyshire Dales, the Peak District and beyond into Europe, creating lasting memories together.

Most rewarding of all is hearing how WALX transforms lives improving health, confidence, and motivation, while building lasting friendships and a true sense of belonging.

It has opened many doors and brought wonderful people into my life.

Life brings its challenges, but being part of WALX Derwent and Dales, supporting our local communities across Derbyshire and the surrounding areas, means we face them together and it is still, quite honestly, the best job ever!

07/08/2026

Members Stories | Meet Sally and Karin

“It’s life-changing.”

Sally and Karin describe joining WALX as one of the best things they’ve ever done.

And the difference?

🥾 Improved posture
💪 Better fitness
😊 More confidence
👭 New friendships
🌿 And being part of a wonderful outdoor community in and around Derby, Ashbourne and Belper.

It’s about so much more than walking.

Come for the exercise. Stay for everything else.