Best foot forward for Lancashire Witches

Witches, Walks and More, a week of walking in Ribble Valley, will take place from 12 - 19 August.

The centrepiece of the week is the 51-mile Witches Walk, which will retrace the steps of the Lancashire Witches along the Lancashire Witches Way, a new long-distance trail running from Pendle to Lancaster through some of Ribble Valley's most stunning scenery.

The Witches Walk will take place over four alternate days, making it accessible to people who have never completed a challenging walk before, leaving the Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford, on Sunday, August 12, and finishing at Lancaster Castle on Saturday, August 18.

Day 1 will take in key Pendle sites, finishing at Read Old Bridge, while day 2 will pass through Clitheroe, ending in Slaidburn. Day 3 will follow the Roman Road over Salter Fell to Deep Clough, while the final day takes in the Lune Valley, past the location of the gallows and on to Lancaster Castle.

A variety of other walks to suit all ages and abilities will also take place in Barley, Pendle, Chipping, Samlesbury, Hurst Green, West Bradford and Longridge. The walks will be led by an experienced guide and feature aspects of local and natural history.

Robert Thompson, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council's community services committee, who is to undertake part of the Witches Walk, said: "The walks will provide a fantastic opportunity for people to explore some of Lancashire's most beautiful scenery, while commemorating a dark episode in the county's history in a positive way."

Tom Pridmore, Ribble Valley Borough Council's tourism and events officer, added: "The Witches Walks and More features something for everyone and we are anticipating significant demand for each of the walks, so people are advised to book early to avoid disappointment."

Further details and bookings are available by contacting Clitheroe Visitor Information Centre on 01200 425566.