18th August 2021

Join us for a FREE 9 day walking festival - Together for Our Landmark - Saturday 18th to Sunday 26th September.

Did you enjoy regular walks from home during lockdown? But need some further ideas of where to explore?  Participate in our 'New to Walking' Festival and experience the Pendle Hill area with the support of knowledgeable guides. Learn more about the area's fascinating natural and cultural heritage, find some hidden gems away from the crowds and gain confidence to venture out on self-guided walks in the future!

Hetty Byrne, Sustainable Tourism Officer for Forest of Bowland AONB said: 'The Pendle Hill area has so much to offer for those seeking adventure, exploring history or for a family day out, but all too often people flock to the same busy spots, perhaps gaining reassurance by following the crowds.  One part of the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership Scheme has been to look at spreading some of that visitor pressure from the same 'honeypot' sites and encouraging people to seek out all the opportunities that the area has to offer.  This led us to the idea of organising a walking festival to highlight all these wonderful opportunities, on all sides of the hill.'

From 18th to 26th September we're excited to present a 'new to walking festival' – Together for our Landmark - to further extend walking from home and the connections made during Lockdown.  The guided walks will be an opportunity for people to continue with the regular walks they have enjoyed and to develop their confidence to explore new walks in the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership area.  It is also an opportunity for people to learn more about the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

Hetty said: 'We've got such a varied programme from archaeology to herbal medicine, mindfulness to traditional boundaries and family-friendly walks.  The guided walks start from locations all around Pendle Hill including Nelson, Barrowford, Sabden, Roughlee and Downham.  We've kept the walks to a maximum of 6 miles, but they include a variety of terrain, so we hope there is something for everyone!'

The walks are all free, but donations are welcome on the day contributing to Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue and the Pendle Hill Fund.

For full details of the walks and information about how to book, please visit: www.pendlehillproject.com/walking-festival

Be sure to book early as we are keeping walk sizes small and manageable, so they will book up quickly!