THE Pendle countryside will become a magnet for ramblers next month when the borough launches its first walking festival.

There will be more than 30 guided countryside walks of varying lengths covering some of Lancashire's most dramatic, and varied, landscapes during the four-day festival.

Mike Williams, Pendle's tourism officer, said: "The walking festival is a first for Pendle and for East Lancashire, and has been made possible by the fantastic enthusiasm of many local people and groups. Hopefully the event will raise the profile of the area, and bring extra visitors to Pendle.

"There will be opportunities to see most parts of Pendle and its beautiful countryside, from the magnificent grandeur of Pendle Hill and Boulsworth Hill, to the green pastures of Wycoller, Lancashire's most popular country park, which has literary connections to the Brontes."

Most of the walks are around six miles and can be completed by the average recreational walker, although there will be walks to suit most people, from easy strolls to harder treks.

The festival is being launched at the Aisled Barn, at Wycoller, on Friday, September 3, at 10am.

As part of the festival there will be an exhibition about walking and the new access arrangements coming into force under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 at the barn, which will be open every day of the festival.

Staff from Lancashire County Council countryside service will be at the exhibition from 9.30am to 11.30am on the Friday, and from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, to answer any questions about the new access arrangements.

A free Pendle Walking Festival programme is available on 01282 661685, or by sending an e-mail to tourism@pendle.gov.uk

BOOTIFUL: Ramblers stride out on Pendle Hill