Another successful Pendle Walking Festival – despite the rain!

Despite the rain the turnout was good and the organisers are celebrating another successful year.

Tom Partridge, Pendle Council's Countryside Access Officer who organised this year's Walking Festival, said:

"The longer walks were not affected by people dropping out because of the wet weather. These walks tend to attract more experienced walkers who are used to braving the elements!

"Some of our shorter walks got slightly lower than normal turnouts, so we think that was down to the weather.

"But all in all, it's been a huge success. I've taken part in four of the walks this year and the thing that has struck me is how many people come back to Pendle every year for the walking festival. There has been great camaraderie among the walkers, many of whom will be coming back to try new walks next year.

"We've had very good feedback from the new map reading course and this may give some people the confidence to find their own walks using public rights of way in the meantime."

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

"It's been another successful year for the Pendle Walking Festival.

"The programme of over 80 walks, which is designed to be suitable to walkers of varying abilities, attracted people from Pendle and further afield.

"Many people who travelled from other parts of the UK - and indeed the world! -  chose to stay in Pendle's tourist accommodation, which is wonderful news for our local tourist economy.

"This is so important for the area, and I'm delighted that the Walking Festival is continuing to give tourism a vital boost."

One couple from the Orkneys stayed in Pendle for a few days to enjoy part of the Walking Festival, breaking up their journey to a family gathering in Kent.

A man from Germany came to several of the walks, and Canadian David Harrison travelled from Vancouver in Canada specifically to join in this year's Festival.

He said:

"I was over in Pendle around this time last year and heard about the Walking Festival but didn't get the chance to join in any of the walks. So this year I made a special trip!

"I've gone on five walks in total including some stages of the Pendle Way. I have thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in Pendle's beautiful countryside.

"I feel very much at home here. I have travelled a lot in many countries over 50 years and I cannot think of a more friendly and welcoming group of people.

"Despite the rain, it's been well worth the trip!"

The organisers of the Walking Festival are now gathering feedback from walk leaders.

This will be used to plan next year's festival, Pendle's ninth Walking Festival.

And later this month the marketing campaign for last year's Walking Festival is up for an award at the Lancashire & Blackpool Tourism Awards.

This sees the festival compete with the likes of Blackpool Pleasure Beach and the Dukes Theatre in Lancaster.

The awards will be given at a ceremony at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort hosted by Blackpool-born actress and singer Jodie Prenger on 22nd September.

http://www.lancashireandblackpool.com/.