THOUSANDS of walkers will descend on Pendle for a four-day country-side festival later this year.

Visitors can walk with witches, or try Pendle's own version of the Three Peaks challenge tackling Pendle, Weets and Boulsworth hills over three days.

Organisers hope the festival will be another chance to put Pendle on the map, and draw in visitors from across the country to enjoy the area's countryside, as well as getting locals to enjoy the attractions on their own doorstep.

There will be more than 30 free guided walks, ranging from one to 10 miles, during Pendle Walking Festival, from September 1 to 4.

A council spokesman said: "Hopefully the event will raise the profile of the area and bring in extra visitors."

A free brochure listing all the walks has been produced, along with themed walks such as walking with witches' which lets people follow in the footsteps of the Pendle Witches around Barley, Newchurch and Roughlee.

Most walks are six or seven miles but organisers have come up with easy strolls such as a pavement walk around Colne with "ghost walker" Simon Entwistle.

There is also a canalside walk by Barrowford Locks.

For the more adventurous there are walks up Pendle, Weets and Boulsworth Hill.

Anyone who completes all three will get a certificate marking their achievement.

Copies of the programme are available from Pendle council's tourism officer on 01282 661685, or email tourism@pendle.gov.uk