What's on: Pendle Walking Festival, September 3 to 11

Showers and periods of sunshine greeted trekkers taking part in the first of more than 70 guided walks around the Pendle countryside.

Thousands of people are expected to take part in the borough’s annual festival, which runs until September 11.

Dubbed the biggest event of its kind in the UK, the festival includes 80 free guided walks, ranging from two-mile treks suitable for beginners to more challenging 14-mile journeys through the borough’s countryside.

The festival will include Pendle’s version of the Three Peaks Challenge – made up of Pendle, Boulsworth and Weets hills.

With the 400th anniversary of the Pendle Witches on the horizon in 2012, three special Witches Trail walks have been arranged.

There will also be a wide choice of pub walks, which take walkers between pubs to sample the beers, most of which are CAMRA approved.

Mike Williams, Pendle Council’s tourism officer, said: “Over the last eight years the Pendle Walking Festival has gone from strength to strength.

“We’re so proud of it. It’s been runner-up in the Best Tourism Event category in the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards.

“But we’re most proud that it attracts thousands of walkers from all across the UK, and beyond, to our stunning Pendle.

“The festival offers a great choice of guided walks of varying lengths in Pendle’s excellent walking country.”

Coun Jonathan Eyre, who is responsible for tourism in Pendle, said the event provides a welcome boost for the local economy.

He said: “Tourism is big business in Pendle and the Walking Festival is a great way of attracting more visitors to the area to show them all what we have to offer.

“And, of course, anyone making the trip to Pendle for the Walking Festival will find a good range of accommodation to make a longer break of their visit.”

Saturday, September 3

Pendle Hill Circular Walk
The walk starts gently but be prepared for the steep climb up Pendle’s Big End. The walk takes us across the remote Barley Moor and Ogden Clough. Towards the end of the walk we go through the farmland surrounding Newchurch=in-Pendle, before returning to Barley.

7 Miles – Hard – 10.30am. Meet at Barley Car Park. Grid ref SD823403. Post code BB12 9LD. Leaders: Mark Wakeman and Victoria Crabtree. Tel. 07974 783009.

Deerstones, Pendle and Downham
A challenging alternative to the Pendle Way route. We ascend Pendle twice, once from each side and visit Fox’s Well and the picturesque village of Downham before returning over the hill and ending in Barley. To ascend Pendle just once, you can end your walk in Downham and return by bus P70 to Barley.

14 Miles – Very Hard – 10.30am. Meet at Barley Car Park. Grid ref SD823403. Post code BB12 9LD. Leaders: Chris and Sue Marshall. Tel. 01282 617132.

Walking with Witches –Fact and Fiction
Come on one or both parts. A figure of eight walk, with a steep ascent in the morning, looking at where the Pendle witches lived and how, and why, they were tried and hanged. Booking is essential on this walk.

2 legs of 4 miles each – Easy (Moderate combined) – 10.30am and 2.30pm. Meet at Barley Car Park. Grid ref 823403. Post code BB12 9LD. Leader: Roger Cunliffe, LCC Countryside Ranger Service. Tel.

(for bookings) 01282 661963.

Woods and Reservoirs
This shorter route around Barley is characterised by the area’s woods and reservoirs. We visit Lower Ogden and Black Moss reservoirs, the attractive hamlet of Whitehough and pass through Fell Wood and Aitken Wood.

4 Miles - Moderate – 10.30am. Meet at Barley Car Park. Grid ref 823403. Post code BB12 9LD. Leader: Wayne Bowman, Out and About. Tel. 07971 561762.

In and around Earby
We will be following the boundaries of Earby, which until 1974 was part of the West Riding of Yorkshire. The walk starts and finishes just below the purple heather of Bleara Moor and follows a route through the farmland surrounding Earby.

8 Miles – Moderate – 10.30am. Meet at Coolham Lane Car Park overlooking Earby (Coolham Lane is a continuation of Stoneybank Road running up out of Earby). Grid ref 916459. Post code BB18 6RX.

Leader: John Crabtree, Pendle Walkers CHA. Tel. 01282 859437.

Boulsworth Hill – Hill of History
See burial mounds, a preacher’s cross, rock carvings, a sacrificial altar and what may be the remnants of a stone circle. We will be taking a route via the summit of Boulsworth Hill and exploring the history of the places we pass including Lad Law, Druids Rock, Robin Hood House, Brinks End, Turnhole Clough and the imposing Abbott Rock.

9 Miles – Hard – 10.30am. Park at the main car park for Wycoller Country Park and allow 15 minutes to walk to the meeting point at the Aisled Barn in the village. Grid ref SD 926395. Post code BB8 8SU. Leader: Mark Chung. Tel. 07921 245523.

Wonderful Weets
Enjoy the wonderful views from Weets Hill. We will be climbing at a gentle steady pace going via Star Hall on the way up and back along part of the Pendle Way.

6 Miles – Moderate – 11.00am. Meet at Letcliffe Park, Barnoldswick. Grid ref 880459. Post code BB18 5HE. Leader: Reg Kingston, East Lancs LDWA. Tel. 01257 474319.

Wycoller Discovery Walk
We will take you on a discovery walk to learn about the history and the natural history of the park using navigation skills to locate and find sites of interest. We will spend the morning in the study centre learning map and compass skills. After lunch you can put your new skills to good use with a navigation exercise finishing around 4pm. Places are limited and therefore booking with the Lancashire Countryside Service is essential.

3 Miles – Easy – 11.00am. Park at the main car park for Wycoller Country Park and allow 15 minutes to walk to the meeting point at Pepper Hill Barn in the village. Grid ref SD 932393. Post code BB8 8SU. Leader: Peter Short, Lancashire Countryside Service. Tel. (for bookings) 01772 534709.

Colne Town Heritage Trail
A circular heritage walk through Colne – “a bonnie town on the hill” – and back through Waterside. We will be looking at how Colne rapidly developed with the cotton industry and find out about some of the town’s more interesting characters.

3 Miles – Easy – 2pm. Meet at Colne Railway Station. Grid ref 881398. Post code BB8 9NX. Leader: David Penney. Tel. 07948 203836.

Sunday, September 4

The Pendle Way - Stage One
The buses will take us to the Heritage Centre in Barrowford for the first stage including the climb to the summit of Weets Hill.

Barrowford to Earby – 13 miles. Meet at the Yorkshire Dales Lead Mining Museum, School Lane, Earby. Grid ref SD906469. post code B18 6QF. Leaders: Mark Wakeman and Victoria Crabtree. Tel. 07974 783009.

Moorings and Moorland
Our route takes us to Slipper Hill reservoir via Lake Burwain and the ‘Mile Tunnel’ entrance. We follow the canal to Salterforth, head across the disused railway line up to Kelbrook Moor and return via Lancashire Ghyll - the old Lancashire/Yorkshire border.

10 Miles – Hard – 10.00am. Meet at Foulridge Village Green. Grid ref SD889423. Post code BB8 7PN. Leaders: Mark Roper and Susan Wilkinson. Tel. 07739 707626.

Base of Pendle via the Lost Valley - The Bill Clegg Memorial Walk
We will be climbing out of Barrowford and down to the historical Clarion House for pots of tea and lunch, then up and over to Barley via Newchurch, returning via Whitehough, Roughlee and the Water Meetings. 8 Miles – Moderate – 10.30am. Meet at the Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford. Grid ref SD863398. post code BB9 6JQ. Leader: John Lofthouse, Ramblers. Tel. 01282 435352.

Kelbrook Moor Circular Walk
Our walk takes us through a landscape dotted with sturdily built stone farmhouses which stand as a testament to the people who have farmed this land over many centuries. The walk is a loop around Kelbrook Moor going past Black Lane Ends and over Great Edge before returning to Kelbrook.

6 Miles – Moderate – 10.30am. Meet at Kelbrook Church. Grid ref SD 902447. Post code BB18 6UF. Leader: Marjorie Smith, Out and About. Tel. 07757 709273.

The Thursden Valley and Hurstwood
A walk along Thursden Valley to visit the hamlets of Roggerham and Hurstwood. Return on the scenic Pennine Bridleway route over Extwistle Moor.

10 Miles – Hard – 10.30am. Meet at Thursden Picnic Site, Halifax Road, Briercliffe. Grid ref 902352. Post code BB10 3RB. Leader: David Longmire. Tel. 01282 452574.

Beating the Bounds – Barnoldswick
Follow the custom of beating the ancient boundaries of Barnoldswick with willow wands (supplied) and enjoy the stunning views of our hills and dales. We will stop for lunch in the pavilion in Victory Park. You are then invited to join in a new tradition of singing the Beating the Bounds song. A commemorative medal and ribbon is presented to everyone completing the walk.

9 Miles – Moderate – 10.30am. Meet at Letcliffe Park, Barnoldswick. Grid ref SD879458. Post code BB18 5HE. Leader: Richard Nelson, Barnoldswick Town Council. Tel. 01282 818253.

A Barley Circular
Compared to most walks starting from Barley, this one is fairly easy because we are not going up Pendle. We will, however, follow the scenic route alongside Black Moss Reservoir, then to Mountain Farm, Wheathead Lane, Briercliffe Farm and the hamlet of Whitehough.

6 Miles – Moderate – 11.00am. Meet at Barley Car Park. Grid ref 823403. Post code BB12 9LD. Leader: Reg Kingston, East Lancs LDWA. Tel. 01257 474319.

Train Track Trek
When the train from Preston arrives we set off on foot along the old track bed to Foulridge. The walk finishes at Foulridge Wharf leaving you to get a meal at Cargo Café or explore further afield either on the old railway line or the Leeds and Liverpool canal. There is a bus service from Foulridge back to the start of the walk.

(FD, Map Ref 6). 3 miles – Easy – 11.30am. Meet at Colne Railway Station. Grid ref 881398. Post code BB8 9NX. Leader: David Penney. Tel. 07948 203836.

Barley Water
A riverside walk to Clarion House for a cup of tea returning via Newchurch and Ogden Clough.

4 Miles – Easy – 12.00 noon. Meet at Barley Car Park. Grid ref 823403. Post code BB12 9LD. Leader: Grayeam Copley. Tel: (01282) 817746.

Dancing under Noyna
4 Miles – Easy – 6.00pm. Meet at the Morris Dancers, Byron Road, Colne. Grid ref SD 899404. Post code BB8 0BH. From the Morris Dancers we head up towards Noyna then cross Colne Golf Course. We head up to the Alma Inn (for a swift half), and return back over the fields - to the Morris Dancers. Leader: Martyn Pashley. Tel. 07881 507245.

Monday, September 5

Nelson Health Walk
Join us for a one hour health walk as part of the Out and About Project. The walk is along the Leeds and Liverpool canal towpath and through Victoria Park. This is a gentle introduction to walking your way to better health.

2 Miles – Easy – 10.00am. Meet at the Yarnspinners Medical Practice, Clayton Street, Nelson. Grid ref SD857380. Post code BB9 7PR. Leader: Wayne Bowman, Out and About. Tel. 07971 561762.

The Four Reservoirs Walk
We will be taking a scenic route to Pendle summit passing the Black Moss reservoirs on the way and and Ogden reservoirs on the way back.

13 miles – Very Hard – 10.00am. Meet at the Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford. Grid ref SD863398. Post code BB9 6JQ. Leader: Roy Davies. Tel. 07595 302797.

First Steps in Map Reading and Compass Work
We will spend 90 minutes going through the basics and then, after lunch (why not eat at one of Colne’s many excellent cafes, restaurants or takeaways?) we will share cars for a few miles for a practical exercise of about two hours.

3 Miles – Easy – 10.30am. Colne Library. Grid ref SD829401. Post code BB8 0AP. It would be useful to bring the South Pennines map (OS Explorer OL21) and your compass with you. As space is limited, please reserve your place with Colne Library by calling 01282 871155. Leaders: John Belbin & Alan Howland. Tel: 01282 867291.

Ridges and Edges - For Your Eyes Only
We will be walking an anticlockwise circuit starting with part of the Pendle Way and then follow the ridge below Roger Moor towards Kelbrook. The walk returns via the rocky outcrop of Noyna Hill and passes over Great Edge to return to the Black Lane Ends.

9 Miles – Moderate – 10.30am. Meet in the car park of the Black Lane Ends pub on Skipton Old Road about 2 miles from Colne. Grid ref SD929432. Post Code BB8 7EP. Leader: Shirley Northcott. Tel.

01772 741376.

Winewall Circular Walk
This is a gentle walk in the lovely countryside in the east of Pendle district. We pass traditional farms and the ancient hamlet of Winewall.

6 miles – Moderate – 11.00am. Meet at Ball Grove upper car park, Ball Grove Drive, Colne. Grid ref SD909404. post code BB8 7HZ. Leader: Marjorie Smith, Out and About. Tel. 07757 709273.

Pinhaw and Robert Wilson’s Grave
We go to Pinhaw Beacon and visit the nearby Robert Wilson’s Grave before crossing Elslack Moor, plantation and reservoir to return from Thornton-in-Craven along part of the Pendle Way.

10 Miles – Hard – 10.30am. Meet at the White Lion, Riley Street, Earby. Grid ref SD909466. post code BB18 6NX. Leader: Keith Pickup. Tel. 01282 850014.

Totally Bats
Join the reserve wardens for a bat identification walk around Greenfield LNR. We hope to see the bats and hear their high frequency soundings using a bat detector. Please bring a torch.

(SF, Map Ref 24). 2 Miles – Easy – 7.30pm. Leader: Matt Whyte. Meet at Greenfield Local Nature Reserve off Whitewalls Drive in Colne. Grid ref SD873395. Post code BB8 9QX. Leader: Matt Whyte. Tel.

07929 364415.

Tuesday, September 6

Earby to Coldwell
The second stage of the walk takes us through Wycoller and onto Boulsworth Moor. The buses pick us up at the end of the walk to return to Earby.

14 miles. Meet at the Yorkshire Dales Lead Mining Museum, School Lane, Earby. Grid ref SD906469. Post code BB18 6QF. Leaders: Sue and Chris Marshall. Tel. 01282 617132.

Barnoldswick Circular
We will be joining the regulars of Barnoldswick’s Let’s Walk and Talk group for a gentle walk in the attractive countryside around the town.

3 Miles – Easy – 10.00am. Meet in Barnoldswick Town Square. Grid ref SD878466. Post code BB18 SAE. Leader: Jim Maden, Let’s Walk and Talk. Tel. 07791 170363.

Along the Ridge to Catch a Bird
Our walk will explore the delightful countryside of the Forest of Pendle. The walk will include a stop at Noggarth Cottage where you can buy refreshments.

6 Miles – Moderate – 10.00am. Meet at the Bay Horse Inn car park, Fence. Grid ref SD824370. post code BB12 9EP. Leader: Norman Mitchell, Out and About. Tel. 07974 500808.

Wycoller to Boulsworth Hill
We will be on farm lanes, through wooded cloughs, old packhorse routes and stone paved paths. We also have a hearty climb of 1115 ft up and over the crags of Boulsworth Hill. But it’s worth it for the views looking towards Pendle, Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales.

8 Miles – Hard – 10.30am. Meet in the main Wycoller car park. Grid ref SD926395. Post code BB8 8SY. Leader: Allan Aspinall, Ramblers. Tel. 01282 435757.

Wallace Hartley Bandmaster of the Titanic
Wallace Hartley famously kept playing on the doomed Titanic as the ship sank 99 years ago. Our trail around Colne remembers the short life of the town’s heroic musician and visits the places where he lived, and where he is buried.

4 Miles – Easy – 2.00pm. Meet at Colne Railway Station. Grid reference SD881398. Post code BB8 9NX. Leader: John Crabtree, Pendle Walkers CHA. Tel. 01282 859437.

Marsden Meander
Join our health walk, meet new people and help yourself to get fit as part of our Out and About project. The walk is pushchair friendly and a great way to enjoy the many delights of the recently restored Marsden Park.

2 Miles – Easy – 2.00pm. Meet at Williams Hall, Barkerhouse Road, Nelson. Grid ref SD869378. Post code BB9 9JL. Leader: Wayne Bowman, Out and About. Tel. 07971 561762.

From the Old to the New
You can park in the Pendle Heritage Centre car park. But we will need to get a bus back to Nelson or Colne so it is worth using public transport (or walking) to the start. A pleasant walk through fields and along the canal finishing at the New Inn, Foulridge.

3 miles – East – 6.00pm. Meet at the Old Bridge Inn, Barrowford. Grid Ref SD863398. Post code BB9 6JQ. Leader: John Ingham.

Wednesday, September 7

Coldwell to Newchurch
Please park in the lay-by just outside the village if you can. For a bus to the start of the walk at Coldwell. The third stage takes us through Catlow Clough and the Calder Valley.

12 miles. Meet at Witches Galore in Newchurch. Grid ref SD 822394. Post code BB12 9JR. Leader: Ron Whalley. Tel. 01282 613282.

Boulsworth, Wycoller and Thursden Valley
There is plenty of variety on this walk – fields, the woods of Thursden Valley, the moors up to Boulsworth, and picturesque Wycoller with its ancient bridges and hall. We finish in Trawden and catch the bus back to Nelson.

13 Miles – Very Hard – 10.00am. Meet at Nelson Interchange. Grid ref SD858376. Post code BB9 9SG. Leaders: Chris and Sue Marshall. Tel. 01282 617132.

Old Laund Booth Circular Walk
We pass through a wooded clough and gradually head up to the ridge where there are excellent views of Pendle Hill and the surrounding area. This is an area which was shaped by strong characters and religious dissent.

7 Miles – Moderate – 10.30am. Meet at Quaker Bridge, Montford Road, Brierfield. Grid ref SD839365. Post code BB9 5QL. Leader: David Ellis. Tel. 07766 600573.

Wycoller Panopticon
We will be walking through Ball Grove Local Nature Reserve and continuing along Wycoller Beck to Wycoller Country Park. We will pause to look at, and get inside, The Atom, one of Pennine Lancashire’s Panopticon public art works. We return across fields and through the hamlet of Winewall.

6 Miles – Moderate – 10.30am. Meet at Ball Grove upper car park, Ball Grove Drive, Colne. Grid ref SD909404. Post code BB8 7HZ. Leader: Peter Dewhurst. Tel. 01282 864826.

Lock Stop and Barrel
We make our way via the villages of Kelbrook and Sough and the disused railway line to Lock Stop for a picnic and refreshments at Greenberfield Locks, then return to Salterforth.

8 Miles – Moderate – 11.00am. Meet at the canal car park by the Anchor Inn, Salterforth. Grid ref SD888 453. Post code BB18 5TT. Leader: Keith Pickup. Tel. 01282 850014.

Wycoller Tramper Trail
There is disabled parking in the village. We will be ‘tramping’ around Wycoller in search of wildlife and the fascinating history of this secluded and beautiful hamlet. Binoculars will be available for all participants to enjoy the bird life encountered on the route. The walk will conclude with coffee and biscuits (free of charge, but donations welcome). This event is being organised by Lancashire Countryside Service and booking is essential if you require an off-road tramper.

2 Miles – Easy – 2.00pm. Park at the main car park for Wycoller Country Park near Colne and allow 15 minutes to walk to the meeting point at the Aisled Barn in the village. Grid ref SD932393. Post code BB8 8SU. Leader: Peter Short, LCC Countryside Service. Tel. (for bookings) 01772 534709.

Evening walk with time for a drink
We will enjoy an evening walk in the countryside around Higham followed by a drink at the Four Alls.

4 miles – Easy – 7.15pm. Meet at The Four Alls in Higham. Grid ref SD808365. Post code BB12 9EZ. Leader: Tom Ainsworth, Ramblers. Tel. 01282 427375.

Bats Again!
Our second evening bat walk in the festival programme is a walk around Ball Grove Local Nature Reserve. We will be identifying the bats and enjoying the other wildlife on the reserve. Please bring a torch.

3 miles – Easy – 7.30pm. Meet at Ball Grove upper car park, Ball Grove Drive, Colne. Grid ref SD909404. Post code BB8 7HZ. Leader: Matt Whyte. Tel. 07929 364415.

Thursday, September 8

From Brontë to Barry
We will be walking along the Pendle Way and Brontë Way to Gawthorpe Hall, an imposing house, set in tranquil grounds, resembling the great Hardwick Hall. In the 19th century Sir Charles Barry created the opulent interiors we see today. We will be passing, but not entering the hall. We return through Heald Wood back to Barden Mill where food and refreshments can be bought.

7 Miles – Moderate – 10.30am. Meet at Barden Mill, Burnley. Grid ref SD841349. Post code BB12 0DX. Leaders: Geoff and Irene Salter. Tel. 01282 457794.

Walking with Witches Fact and Fiction
Come on one or both parts. A figure of eight walk, with a steep ascent in the morning, looking at where the Pendle witches lived and how, and why they were tried and hanged. Booking is essential on this walk.

2 legs of 4 Miles each – Easy (Moderate combined) – 10.30am and 2.30pm. Meet at Barley Car Park. Grid ref 823403. Post code BB12 9LD. Leader: Roger Cunliffe, LCC Countryside Ranger Service. Tel.

01282 661963.

A Visit to Old Ebbys at Slipper Hill
We will be taking a gentle stroll along the reservoirs and canal to Slipper Hill Reservoir where the story of Old Ebbys will be revealed. Our return is across field footpaths to the Heritage Centre.

5 Miles – Easy – 10.00am. Meet at the Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford. Grid ref SD863398. Post code BB9 6JQ. Leader: Ron Whalley, Out and About. Tel. 01282 613282.

Over the Doles
The ‘Doles’ is an old name given to the land in this area. We will be finding out about the origin of the Doles on a walk which takes us through rolling countryside to the picturesque Newchurch-in-Pendle. The village is rich in the history of the witches of Pendle, as are some of the old farms which we pass along the way. This area has a story to tell.

8 Miles – Moderate – 10.00am. Meet at The Four Alls in Higham. Grid ref SD808365. Post code BB12 9EZ. Leader: Norman Mitchell, Out and About. Tel. 07974 500808.

Brontës in Pendle Circular Walk
Enjoy the beauty spot of Lumb Spout, Boulsworth Hill, 17th Century farm houses and the hamlet of Wycoller. We will be finding out about the history of the area and Pendle’s link to the Brontë sisters.

8 Miles – Moderate – 10.30am. Meet at The Trawden Arms in Trawden. Grid ref SD912387. Post code BB8 8RU. Leader: John Belbin. Tel. 01282 867291.

Nordic Walking Taster Session
We will start with a 45 minute introduction to Nordic Walking followed by a one hour walk. Nordic Walking uses specially designed poles and a technique similar to cross country skiing. This is a great low impact way to improve your health and wellbeing. We will try out the techniques with a walk through the park to Swinden Bridge and around Barrowford Reservoir. Booking is essential. The poles can be loaned out at £1 a pair.

3 Miles – Easy – 1.30pm. Meet at Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford. Grid ref SD863398. Post Code BB9 6JQ. Leader: Wayne Bowman, Out and About. Tel. (for bookings) 01282 661315.

Friday, September 9

Historic Waterways Circular Walk
This walk starts along the summit pound of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. We walk up onto the moors above Foulridge and enjoy the fine views. The landscape is dotted with the reservoirs which were created to keep the canal topped up, which is why this area has such strong links with the history of water transport.

6 Miles – Moderate – 10.00am. Meet at Café Cargo, Warehouse Lane, Foulridge. Grid ref SD888426. Post code BB8 7PP. Leader: John Belbin. Tel. 01282 867291.

We Marched To The Top Of The Hill
We take the path over Great Edge and then continue to Wycoller Country Park. The walk finishes with a climb to the summit of Boulsworth Hill before we “march down again” and back to the start.

14 miles – Very Hard – 10.00am. Meet at Ball Grove upper car park, Ball Grove Drive, Colne. Grid ref SD909404. Post code BB8 7HZ. Leader: Roy Davies. Tel. 07595 302797.

Back O’ Th’ Edge to Noyna Rocks
We walk via Hobstones Farm to Lake Burwain and then head up to Noyna Rocks. We return via Ball Grove Park and an attractive riverside walk along Colne Water.

8 Miles – Moderate – 10.30am. Meet at Colne Town Hall. Grid ref SD 888400. Post code BB8 0AQ. Leader: John Kirk. Tel. 01282 706387.

Earby Circular
We cross the fields above Sough to Kelbrook and Salterforth and then follow the canalside and fields to Greenberfield Locks and return to Earby via Ghyll Church, partly on the Pendle Way. At the end of the walk there is tea and coffee provided. Why not stay at Earby Youth Hostel to enjoy this walk and others?

8 Miles – Moderate – 10.30am. Earby Youth Hostel. Grid ref SD915468. Post code BB18 6JX. Leader: Margaret Fletcher, Ramblers. Tel. 01282 457909.

Wonderful Weets
Enjoy a walk up one of Pendle’s Three Peaks. From the summit there are stunning views towards the Yorkshire Dales.

8 Miles – Moderate – 11.00am. Meet at the canal car park by the Anchor Inn, Salterforth. Grid ref SD888 453. Post code BB18 5TT. Leader: Keith Pickup. Tel. 01282 850014.

Historical Wycoller
Our walking tour around Wycoller will focus on the history of this picturesque hamlet. The pace will be easy as we learn about the rural traditions of the valley and the important links which the Brontë sisters had with Wycoller Hall. We have the option of visiting the panopticon which will involve a steeper section of walking.

3 Miles – Easy – 11.00am. Meet in the main Wycoller car park. Grid ref SD926395. Post code BB8 8SY. Leader: Sue Marshall. Tel. 01282 617132.

Saturday, September 10

Colne Walkers are Welcome Launch Day
Most of the walks today are in and around Colne which we are officially launching as a Walkers are Welcome® Town. The Crown Hotel is hosting a display which we have put together to show how Colne welcomes visitors, and why it is such a good base for walking. The display will be available all day so why not pop into The Crown to have a look before or after joining one of our walks?

Cowling to Colne
For free transport to Cowling. We walk part of the Pennine Way over Ickornshaw Moor and return past Watersheddles Reservoir and Wycoller Country Park.

13 Miles – Very Hard - 9.30am. Meet at Ball Grove upper car park, Ball Grove Drive, Colne. Grid ref SD909404. Post code BB8 7HZ. Leaders: Mark Wakeman and Victoria Crabtree. Tel. 07974 783009.

Haworth to Colne
Walking from Yorkshire to Lancashire, we retrace the footsteps of the Brontë sisters who were inspired by the South Pennines landscape.

12 Miles – Hard – 10.00am. Meet at Ball Grove upper car park, Ball Grove Drive, Colne for free transport to Haworth. Grid ref SD909404. Post code BB8 7HZ. Leader: Ron Whalley. Tel. 01282 613282.

Castercliff Circular Walk
From Colne we take the ancient flagged pathways which were once the main walking route to Trawden. Our walk passes through a landscape of fields, drystone walls and stone built farmhouses which are typical of the South Pennines. The walk finishes with fine views from the Castercliff iron age hill fort before we return to Colne.

7 Miles – Moderate – 10.00am. Meet at The Admiral Lord Rodney, Colne. Grid ref SD 889396. Post code BB8 0TA. Leader: Marjorie Smith, Out and About. Tel. 07757 709273.

Victoria to Victory
A sponsored walk for Pendle Domestic Violence Initiative, specifically for young people who suffer from or witness domestic abuse. It is mostly level and along the Leeds & Liverpool canal.

There are plenty of places where you can drop out and get a bus back to Nelson so you can do as much (or as little) as you like. If you want to help raise money for this good cause, then please contact the leader for a sponsor form.

16 Miles – Easy/Very Hard – 10.00am. Meet at Victoria Park car park, Carr Road, Nelson. Grid ref SD853381. Post code BB9 7BN. Leader: Sarah Griffin. Tel. 01282 619249.

Walking the Line
We will be walking along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to the Anchor Inn at Salterforth. We then continue on footpaths to the church at St Mary-le-Ghyll Church and Thornton-in-Craven. From Thornton we return to Foulridge along the track bed of the old Colne to Skipton railway line.

9 miles – Moderate – 10.30am. Meet at Cargo Café, Warehouse Lane, Foulridge. Grid ref SD888426. Post code BB8 7PP. Leader: Norman Mitchell, Out and About. Tel. 07974 500808.

Crown Round
From The Crown we head out towards Alkincoats Park and over the fields to the Cross Gaits. A swift half and it’s over the fields to the Rising Sun for another short stop. We return via Water Meetings and the canal to Colne.

6 Miles – Moderate – 1.00pm. Meet at The Crown Hotel, Colne. Grid ref SD882398. Post code BB8 0QD. Leader: Martyn Pashley. Tel. 07881 507245.

Nature’s Way
We are celebrating the launch of the Colne Walkers are Welcome so please join us at the display in The Crown Hotel (just up from the station) for the official launch before the walk starts.

Nature’s Way is a new walk which links Colne’s Local Nature Reserves of Greenfield LNR, Alkincoats Woodland LNR, and Upper Ball Grove LNR.

8 Miles – Moderate – 2.00pm. Meet at Colne Railway station. Grid ref 881398. Post code BB8 9NX. Leader: David Penney, Colne Connected. Tel. 07948 203836.

Castercliff short walk
For our shorter Walkers are Welcome launch walk we follow a route past an imposing Mill and then head up to Castercliff iron age hill fort. Our route uses just some of the many footpaths through the varied and attractive landscape around Colne which make this a great area to welcome walkers.

3 Miles – Easy – 2.00pm. Meet at Colne Railway station. Grid ref 881398. Post code BB8 9NX. Leader: Tom Partridge, Pendle Council. Tel. 07764 362592.

Jam and Mushrooms
Hunt for edible fruits and mushrooms in the ancient meadows and woodlands of Wycoller Country Park. The event will start with a short talk on the fruits and fungi of the park before setting out to find and identify various species. Afterwards, for a small donation, you can try out some recipes made with the ‘fruits of the forest’: jam and mushrooms! Booking is essential on this walk.

2 miles - Easy - 2.00pm. Park at the main car park for Wycoller. Country Park and allow 15 minutes to walk to the meeting point at Pepper Hill Barn Study Centre in the village. Grid ref SD 932393.

Post code BB8 8SU. Leader: Peter Short, LCC Ranger Service. Tel. (for bookings) 01282 661963.

In the footsteps of Benjamin Ingham
The walk starts from the last remaining Inghamite Church. We find out who Benjamin Ingham was and about the Inghamite movement which he founded. Our walk follows the paths likely to have been used by the non-conformist preacher up to Noggarth and Watermeetings. After the walk you are welcome to join us in the church for a brief service and/or afternoon tea.

5 Miles – Moderate – 2.00pm. Meet at Wheatley Lane Inghamite Church, near Fence. Grid ref 838383. Post code BB12 9QG. Leader: Sheila Bell. Tel. 07787 987609.

Sunday, September 11

Scouting on the Ridge
This is a walk to Pendle’s summit to look at the history of the hill as well as the fine views of the area. We will discover the links with Baden Powell, George Fox and even Robin Hood.

10 Miles – Hard – 10.00am. Meet at the cross roads in the centre of Sabden. Grid ref SD779375. Post code BB7 9HU. Leader: Norman Mitchell, Out and About. Tel. 07974 500808.

Pendle and Wheathead Height
A walk over Pendle returning over little used paths to the rarely visited Wheathead Height.

10 miles – Hard – 10.00am. Meet at Barley Car Park. Grid ref 823403. Post code BB12 9LD. Leader: Grayeam Copley. Tel. (01282) 817746.

Walking with Witches – Fact and Fiction
Come on one or both parts. A figure of eight walk, with a steep ascent up Pendle in the morning, looking at where the Pendle witches lived and how, and why, they were tried and hanged. Booking is essential on this walk.

2 legs of 4 Miles each – Easy (Moderate combined) – 10.00am and 2.00pm. Meet at Barley Car Park. Grid ref 823403. Post code BB12 9LD. Leader: Marilyn Pilkington, LCC Countryside Ranger Service.

Tel. (for bookings) 01282 661963.

A History of Barrowford
Our walking tour will visit some of the town’s historic buildings as we find out how they influenced the village. We cross the roman bridge, see the Toll House and visit St Thomas’s churchyard.

2 Miles – Easy – 10.30am. Meet at the Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford. Grid ref SD863398. Post Code BB9 6JQ. Leader: Sue Marshall. Tel. 01282 617132.

A Walk to Wycoller
Walk along field paths via Coldwell and the Upper Trawden Valley to the historic hamlet of Wycoller. We return by the Pennine Bridleway below Boulsworth Moor.

9 Miles – Hard – 10.30am. Meet at Thursden Picnic Site, Halifax Road, Briercliffe. Grid ref 902352. Post code BB10 3RB. Leader: David Longmire. Tel. 01282 452574.

The Great Letterbox Hunt
Join us on this family fun low-tech treasure hunt for ‘letterboxes’ hidden on Boulsworth Hill. Follow the visual clues and get your Boulder passport stamped with each letterbox you find.

6 Miles – Moderate – 10.30am Meet at Ball Grove upper car park, Ball Grove Drive, Colne from where we can share transport to the start of the walk. Grid ref SD909404. Post code BB8 7HZ. Leader: John Kirk. Tel. 01282 706387.

Heights and Cloughs
On the way to and from Driver Heights we will visit Raven Clough and Cock Clough, just some of Pendle’s many delightful ravines.

10 Miles – Hard – 10.30am. Meet at Victoria Park, Carr Road, Nelson. Grid ref SD853381. Post code BB9 7BN. Leader: George Thornton. Tel. 01282 864490.

Historic Barnoldswick Circular Walk
Our walk in the hills around Barnoldswick passes the site of the medieval village of Stock, the limestone drumlins and Barnoldswick’s last cotton mills.

8 Miles – Moderate – 10.30am. Meet at Barnoldswick Tourist Information Centre. Grid ref SD878467. Post code BB18 5NA. Leader: John Belbin. Tel. 01282 867291.

Clarion Call
Join us on a walk with a visit to the last Clarion tea house in the country which still opens its doors to the public every Sunday. Our route also takes us to Lower Ogden reservoir, Newchurch-in-Pendle and Upper Black Moss reservoir.

6 Miles – Moderate – 11.00am. Meet at Barley Car Park. Grid ref SD823403. Post code BB12 9LD. Leader: Keith Pickup. Tel. 01282 850014.

Foulridge and County Brook
We walk through Alkincoates Local Nature Reserve and continue along the Leeds and Liverpool canal passing over Foulridge Tunnel, continuing to the old county boundary.

5 miles – Easy – 12 noon. Meet at Colne Rugby Club. Holt House playing Fields at the top of Harrison Drive, Colne. Grid ref SD 883407. post code BB8 9SF. Leader: David Foat. Tel. 01282 863652.

* The 2011 Walking Festival runs from Saturday, September 3, at 10am until Sunday, September 11.