Everyone is invited to enjoy Pendle's beautiful countryside during this year's Pendle Walking Festival.

The festival will be officially launched by the Mayor of Pendle, Coun Shelagh Derwent, on Saturday 30th August at 10:00am at Barley Cabin.

This year's extended festival will run from Saturday 30th August until Sunday 7th September.

There will be over 70 free guided walks catering for all abilities, including children.

Whether you fancy a simple leisurely stroll, a full-blown three-day trek, or a wander around the local park, there's something for everyone.

A new event for this year is Geocaching - a type of scavenger hunt for containers using the containers' exact geographic coordinates and GPS devices.

For more information about Geocaching visit www.walkinginpendle.co.uk.

Coun Allan Buck, who is responsible for tourism in Pendle, said:

The Walking Festival is a great way of bringing people into Pendle and showing them everything that we have to offer.

Mike Williams - Pendle Tourism Officer

"I urge everyone to get involved in this year's Walking Festival. It is always extremely popular and I am sure that this year will be no different.

"It is a great way to experience the splendour of our wonderful countryside while getting some fresh air and exercise at the same time."

Mike Williams, Pendle's Tourism Officer, said:

"The Walking Festival is a great way of bringing people into Pendle and showing them everything that we have to offer.

"We have some of the best countryside in the UK with amazing views around every turn.

"We hope these free guided walks will give people the inspiration to explore Pendle even more."

Free Pendle Walking Festival programmes, which contain information about everything on offer at the event, are available to download from the Pendle Council website - visit www.pendle.gov.uk/walking.

Programmes are also available in hard copy by calling Pendle's Tourism Team on (01282) 661981.

For more information, please contact Mike Williams, Tourism Officer, on (01282) 661963.