What is Move More Hope Valley?
Hope Valley Climate Action Group has received support from High Peak Borough Council to deliver Move More Hope Valley—an exciting new initiative designed to encourage and support residents and visitors to make more everyday journeys on foot, by bike, or via public transport.
Over the last few months we’ve started discussions with communities across the Hope Valley, taking part in events and forums centred around active travel. Our aim is to better understand local needs, explore opportunities, and inspire sustainable travel choices that benefit health, wellbeing, and the environment.
This is a timely project, as the insights gathered through Move More Hope Valley will help shape Derbyshire County Council’s upcoming Active Travel Master Plan for the Hope Valley, which has recently launched its 8-week public consultation, 30th June to 24th August 2025. Move More Hope Valley could also pave the way for smaller, community-led improvements—based on what each village identifies as important.
Why should we move more?
There are lots of benefits for moving more and keeping active and below are just a few reminders:
- People become healthier, happier and more fulfilled by improving their health and wellbeing
- Communities are more connected, stronger, feel safer and the local economy is enabled to thrive
- Society is more equal, with empathy, effort and resources being invested in the right places, enabling good lives for all
- Environments encourage movement, are welcoming, highly valued and contribute positively towards tackling climate change
Conversations so far
Through our events and discussions with the community so far we’ve gained valuable insights into what might help residents move more and fit physical activity into daily life. Not to mention that our smoothie bike has been a big hit and helped spark some of those ideas.
What would help you be more active?
You gave us some brilliant suggestions, including:
- A Park run in the Hope Valley
- A Family friendly cycle club
- A local walking group
- Cycle skills for all ages – map reading, route planning
- Children friendly running club
- Safer cycling lanes
- Slower speeds on the roads
- Less phone time
- Setting a goal
- Map of mountain bike routes
- Planning ahead
- Cycle bus to Hope Valley College
Thank you so much for all of your feedback and insights so far. If you have any more ideas to share with us or are interested in helping bring some of these ideas to life, we’d love to hear from you and here to support you!
Hope Valley Bike Collective
In response to your feedback around family bike groups and cycling skills, we launched the Hope Valley Bike Collective in the summer of 2025. This group is open to everyone and is focused on getting more people of all ages and abilities cycling in the Hope Valley.
The group had its first meeting in August, with a great turnout and lots of ideas and energy to move the project forward. At the end of November we hosted our first community event, Pies, Pedals and Puctures at Hope Sports Centre.
The event, aimed to promote everyday cycling by people of all ages, began with a social ride led by Peak Gravel Gang, alongside our first cycling taster session on the field, by Paul from Peak Cycling UK. Highlights included learning new bike skills, getting bikes serviced by 18 Bikes, swapping kit, and warming up indoors with delicious pies and refreshments from Café Adventure while enjoying a screening of cycling adventures and an inspiring talk on bikepacking by Peak Grave Gang.
Hope Valley Art Trail by Rail 2026
This year the Hope Valley Art Trail by Rail takes place 26-27 September 2026. Applications are open for Artisist until 30 June 2026. Visit the Art Trail by Rail page to find out more.
This is a unique event to the area and celebrates local creativity and sustainable travel. Everyone will be invited to travel on the Hope Valley railway line and hop on and off to explore local creativity village by village. Artists will be opening their studios, gardens and exhibiting in villages where you can buy local handmade gifts, get hands on in creative workshops and enjoy some local refreshments and entertainment along the way.
Last year we had 18 amazing artists taking part across 9 venues between Edale and Grindleford, offering everything from sketching and collage to painting and open studio visits. We also had pottery and sketching workshops along with the special opening of the historic Padley Chapel.
This year the event will take place over two full days across even more venues in the Hope Valley, offering a weekend of creativity, inspiration and community. Save the date and get involved.
What’s Coming up with Move More
Free Walk Leadership Training
We’re partnering with High Peak Borough Council to offer free walk leadership training for anyone interested in leading low-level walking groups. No prior experience needed — we’ll provide all the training. Contact emilygait@hopevalleyclimateaction.org.uk for more information.
If you’re part of a local group or community space and would like to host us at your event, we’d love to hear from you!
