Sir Martin Doughty speaks at the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Kinder Mass Trespass

A series of walks will take place in the autumn in memory of Natural England’s first head, who died of cancer, aged 59, earlier this year.

The Peak District walks will take place on 11 October, which would have been Sir Martin Doughty’s 60th birthday. A fell race will be run on Kinder Scout, scene of the 1932 Mass Trespass which was instrumental in opening up the hills of England and Wales to walkers and to the founding of the country’s national parks.

Sir Martin, a keen walker and conservation expert, died on 4 March. He was founder chair of Natural England, the Government’s advisory body on outdoor matters.

The Millennium Way, New Mills, is on the route of the short walk

The events, centred on his home town of New Mills, will include walks ranging from a one-hour history tour of the town to a 15km (9½-mile) linear yomp from Snake summit to Hayfield.

The commemoration is being organised by Natural England, Derbyshire County Council, which he once led, the National Trust and the Peak District National Park Authority. A specially brewed beer, Martin’s Favourite New Mills Bitter, will be on sale at one of the town’s pubs.

National-park rangers and mountain rescue team members will act as guides and provide support on the day.

Kinder Downfall, site of the commemorative service

The fell race, at 20km, will also be a social event, with stops for those not intent on beating their competitors. Two of the walking groups will meet for a short commemorative ceremony at Kinder Downfall at 2.30pm.

Full details of the walks are on the Natural England website. Anyone wishing to take part should let organisers know beforehand by emailing Natural England.