COUNTRYSIDE lovers and walkers of all ages are being invited to step out and enjoy Pendle's annual walking festival.

One of the UK's largest free walking festivals, the event, now in its 15th year, takes place in August and includes 57 guided walks from the easy to the challenging, including the climb up Pendle Hill.

“With stunning views around every corner, this is a great way to explore the hills and valleys around Pendle Hill - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” said Pendle’s countryside access officer, Tom Partridge.

Tom has co-ordinated the programme of walks for the Festival’s 15th year, working with volunteer guides who know the remarkable landscape and its many historic associations.

“People who’d like to explore this unspoilt corner of Lancashire can choose from 57 varied guided walks," said Tom.

“Almost all of the walks are free, we just make a modest charge for transport to complete each part of the 45 mile Pendle Way which takes in all the variety of Pendle’s landscape, over four days,” he explained.

Pendle’s tourism officer, Mike Williams said: “ You can walk into Pendle’s fascinating history and hear true stories from The Pendle Witches to The Brontës with our friendly, knowledgeable guides.

For the past four years the Pendle Walking Festival has been in the school holidays and so our programme includes family friendly walks with engaging stories, treasure hunts and games."

Last year's festival attracted more than 1,200 people, from as far away as Sydney, London and France.

Councillor Paul White, leader of Pendle Council said: “Pendle’s countryside with miles of footpaths is definitely a major asset to our growing tourism economy which is now worth over £116 million – almost eight per cent more than the previous year.

The festival programme can be downloaded at: visitpendle.com