Buxton Carnival! (9 Miles, Moderately Easy)

Rio's got nowt on Buxton! That's right, it's carnival time again in England's highest market town, so strap on your feathered headdress and prepare for a day of hiking and hijinks, watching the floats, dancers and marching bands parade their way through the spa-town streets.

NOTE: the earlier start time of 9:30am and allow for extra time finding a parking space as the centre of Buxton will be closed off.

This is a bit different from the usual hike and a pint arrangement, as we'll be aiming to finish early enough to catch the main events of the day, including the parade and the free live music in the Pavilion Gardens bandstand later on.

The plan of action:

• 9:30am - Meet at the Pavilion Gardens Tea Room for a quick cuppa
• 9:45am - Set off from the Pavilion Gardens for a shortish hike around the local Buxton hills
• 2pm - Catch the parade as it congas its way through the bustling streets, then retire to a pub when we've had enough
• 4pm - Chill out and watch the free live music at the Pavilion Gardens bandstand

Obviously people can do their own thing once we get back into the centre of Buxton but I'd recommend sticking around and soaking up the festival atmosphere - it's a once-a-year thing after all!

Starting point

The Pavilion Tea Rooms:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QzdJFesCGcdvMF2C8

Parking

There's lots of free on-street parking around Buxton but be warned, the carnival and a morning road race mean that much of the centre will be closed to traffic.

Public transport

Trains between Buxton and Stockport are frequent.

The 8:15am number 58 bus from Macclesfield gets to Buxton in plenty of time.

Dogs

Well behaved dogs are welcome on the walk and at the carnival afterwards.

What to bring

Please bring a packed lunch, water and appropriate clothing/footwear for the weather and terrain.

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DISCLAIMER

Please acknowledge the following:
• The walk is entirely free of charge. You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses.
• Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part).
• Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself.
• Walk distances can be up to 15 miles or more and we can be out for as long as 5-7 hours.
• We usually stop for a packed lunch and pop in to a country pub for a post or mid-hike drink.

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section!

Here's a guide to the difficult rating:

• Easy - Short distance, less than ten miles and mostly flat. Suitable for anyone capable of a brisk stroll.

• Moderately Easy - Shortish distance, around ten miles, some gentle hills. For those who walk regularly but don't have too much hiking experience.

• Moderate - Between ten and twelve miles, a few decent hills with potentially steep sections. For those with some hiking experience.

• Moderately Challenging - Longer distance, twelve miles or over with lots of hills. Suitable for hikers who enjoy being out for most of the day.

• Challenging - Around fifteen miles or more, with hills, mountains and maybe the odd scramble. For experienced hikers who like pushing themselves.

• Hard - Long distance, sometimes over twenty miles, with mountains and difficult terrain. Only suitable for fit, experienced hikers.

IMPORTANT
Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organised by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is not a business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader". Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone. By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.