WALKERS, cyclists and horse riders are being given the chance to contribute to the upkeep of the spectacular Pennine Way and Pennine Bridleway.

A new donation scheme has been set up to raise much-needed cash for the maintenance of the two popular routes – which run through Yorkshire Dales – and of the other 13 National Trails in the country.

Heather Procter, the Pennine National Trail partnership manager, said: “We know that many find their experience of the Pennine National Trails to be inspiring and they often develop a strong affection for them, especially if they have travelled from end to end. We hope people will want to make a small donation to help us look after the trails so that they and others can return and enjoy them year after year.”

The donation scheme allows people to give as much as they want directly to their chosen National Trail simply by visiting the relevant trail pages on the national website at nationaltrail.co.uk and clicking the ‘donate’ button.

All donations received will be used to support the chosen trail, with 80 per cent of the money going to fund improvement work and the remainder going towards the cost of providing the website, which is not publicly funded.