THOUSANDS of walkers will descend on Pendle for a four- day festival out in the countryside.

Visitors can walk with witches, or try Pendle's own version of the Three Peaks challenge - tackling Pendle, Weets and Boulsworth hills over three days.

Organisers hope the festival will be another chance to put Pendle on the map, and draw in visitors from across the country to enjoy Pendle's countryside, as well as getting locals to enjoy the attractions on their own doorstep.

There will be more than 30 free guided walks, ranging from one to ten miles, during Pendle Walking Festival which takes place from September 2 to 5.

Pendle Council tourism officer Mike Williams said: "The walking festival has been made possible by the fantastic enthusiasm of many local people and groups.

"It is hoped that everyone, whether they live in Pendle or travel from Preston, Leeds, Manchester, or much further, will get great pleasure from the walking festival.

"Hopefully the event will raise the profile of the area and bring extra visitors to Pendle."

A free brochure listing all the walks has been produced, along with themed walks such as 'walking with witches' which lets people follow in the footsteps of the Pendle Witches around Barley, Newchurch and Roughlee.

Most walks are six or seven miles.

But organisers have come up with easy strolls such as a pavement walk around Colne with ghost walker Simon Entwistle, exploring the town's heroes and villains.

There is also a canalside walk by Barrowford Locks.

For the more adventurous there are walks up Pendle, Weets and Boulsworth Hill.

Anyone who completes all three will get a certificate marking their achievement.

Copies of the programme are available from Pendle Council's tourism officer on 01282 661685, or email tourism@pendle.gov.uk