Eight new walks take you round Pendle in circles

Have you ever wanted to explore the ancient Iron Age fort of Castercliff, or the area around Winewall and Laneshaw Bridge, but weren't sure of the right path to take?

A new package of Eight Circular Walks from Pendle Council's Countryside Access team can help you set off - without fear of getting lost!

Tom Partridge, Countryside Access Officer, explained:

"Pendle has around 354 miles of public footpaths and 25 miles of public bridleways.

"Much of these take walkers through stunning scenery and along some routes which are rich in local history.

"We've put together the Eight Circular Walks package to encourage people to get out and explore the beautiful Pendle countryside on foot."

The new Eight Circular Walks package replaces a set of six circular walks which was produced in 2001.

Working with local volunteer and keen walker John Belbin, the Countryside Access Team has improved the six existing walks, which include a Pendle Hill walk, a Brontes in Pendle walk, and a walk across Kelbrook Moor.

And together they have created two new walks.

The Winewall walk takes an attractive circuit through the farming landscape in this eastern part of Pendle. Walkers can enjoy the rich pattern of old farmhouses and traditional drystone walls which make this landscape so distinctive.

And the Castercliff walk takes walkers over hills and through attractive landscapes to the Iron Age hill fort with stunning views on all sides.

The Eight Circular Walks packs will be on sale for £3.50 at the launch of the Pendle Walking Festival at 10am on Saturday 4th September at Pendle Heritage Centre.

The two new walks will be introduced as part of the Walking Festival, with the 7 mile Castercliff Walk being led on Saturday 4th September, setting off from the Admiral Lord Rodney in Colne at 11am.

And on Friday 10th September people can join in the first guided walk of the new Winewall circular walk, meeting at the Upper Ball Grove car park at 11am.

Councillor Jonathan Eyre, who represents tourism in Pendle, said:

"We know that many people visit our beautiful part of Lancashire specifically to go walking.

"Now this new package of circular walks, which will also be available in tourist information centres, gives walkers more routes to explore.

"And, of course, even if you've lived in Pendle all your life as I have you might still want to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the local countryside through these circular walks.

"Why not come on the guided Winewall and Castercliff walks as part of this year's Walking Festival?"

For more information about the Eight Circular Walks package, contact Tom Partridge on (01282) 661059 or tom.partridge@pendle.gov.uk.

To find out more about the Pendle Walking Festival, which runs from 4th to 12th September, go to http://www.visitpendle.com/.