Friday, 6 September 2013

South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival starts tomorrow

CHALLENGING cycle events, horse rides and walks to discover the world of moths are just some of the delights taking place in Calderdale as part of this year’s South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival.

“Did you know there are over 2,400 species of moth in the UK? Why not come along to discover some of the night flying hepidoptera on Saturday, September 7,” said Sue Leffman, festival co-ordinator.

“This event is supported by local experts and Cromwell Bottom Wildlife Group. Participants are advised to wrap up warm, bring a snack and torch. Midge repellent is essential,” Sue added.

With over 160 events taking place throughout the region during this year’s South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival, which starts this Saturday, September 7 and runs to Sunday, September 22 there will be something for everyone. The festival is managed by rural regeneration company, Pennine Prospects, and is now in its sixth year.

Cycling plays a prominent part in this year’s festival as everyone gears up for the Tour to France Grand Depart next year. In this year’s Walk and Ride Festival there will be the ever-popular Up the Buttress event in Hebden Bridge on Saturday, September 7.

And over the weekend of Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15 there will be various cycling activities held at Shibden Park, in Halifax. The inaugural Lister Lion Cyclocross Race, in which participants aim to complete as many laps as possible in the allotted time, will take place on Saturday followed by the Spinner Sportive, over two distance, 40 miles and 85 miles, on the Sunday.

Horse riders will be able to join the Blue Pig Trot, a 12 mile circular ride from the Blue Pig at Midge Hole, near Hardcastle Crags on Sunday, September 15. The route will follow bridle tracks and quiet country roads with few opportunities to canter and the majority of the ride taken at a walk or trot due to the rough terrain.

Walkers will also have the chance to enjoy the Calderdale landscape with an eight-mile walk starting from the Packhorse Inn, Widdop on Thursday, September 12. The walk will take the Pennine Way to High Withins and return via Walshaw Reservoir offering breath-taking views from the top moors along the way.

This year’s festival is the biggest yet and has a wide variety of events from walks and bike rides to skills days and children’s story-telling. Most of the events are led by volunteer guides and organisers who have expert knowledge of the area and terrain. To find out more about all the events visit the festival website for full programme information at www.walkandridefestival.co.uk