Pony trekking, cycling and walking are all on the doorstep in the fifth South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival that runs until Sunday, September 23.
For those eager to experience a local Lancashire activity the Horse Ride to Hargreaves, on Friday, September 21, may be ideal. Riders will be taken on locally bred native Fell Ponies to the local pub for the early bird meal and locally brewed ales.
Keen walkers may wish to take on the challenge of the eight-mile, but graded as hard, Ascent to the Singing Ringing Tree on Saturday, September 22. The walk starts at Towneley Hall and follows the Wayside Arts Trail through the Forest of Burnley and onto the moorland to the award-winning panopticon sculpture and back.
And cyclists are invited to join the West Pennine Moor and Monument Experience, an 18 mile leisurely off-road cycle tour, which sets off at Tockholes Visitor Centre on Sunday, September 23.
With over 100 walks and rides the 16 day festival, which runs until Sunday, September 23 and is 
organised by the rural regeneration company Pennine Prospects, has it all. And as Mark Turner, director of Pennine Prospects, explained it’s all here on the doorstep: “We are here to promote the South Pennines and the best way to do that is showcase what this wonderful area can offer with its rich heritage and breathing taking scenery.
“This is our fifth Walk and Ride Festival and every year they just get bigger and better. This year we have even more activities and events so check out the website to see what’s happening near you,” he added.
For full details of all the events taking place throughout the festival visit the South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival website at www.walkandridefestival.co.uk
Funding for the festival is being made available through the South Pennines LEADER programme (the Rural Development Programme for England), which is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union, and managed by Pennine Prospects.
