Yorkshire Dales Walking Festival open for entries
In 2011 the Jane Tomlinson Appeal marked the launch of its first ever Walk For All event at the naming ceremony of the "Jane Tomlinson" Yorkshire train.
And this year, to announce the Yorkshire Dales Walking Festival’s second year, it’s once again "all aboard to Settle".
Taking place on Sunday 19th August 2012, walkers from across Yorkshire and the dales will pull on their walking boots to take part in the event, which last year sold out in record time. With distances suitable for everyone, participants will have the opportunity to either take on a marathon challenge or simply enjoy a steady stroll with friends and family.
During the walk, over 2,500 people are expected take to the hills and enjoy the breath-taking views on the 26, 14 or 5 mile route, which takes in some of the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s most stunning scenery, including the picturesque Malhamdale and two of Yorkshire’s famous Three Peaks, Pen-y-ghent and Ingleborough.
Last year’s event proved so popular, accommodation in the 10-mile radius of Settle - where the walks begin – was sold out for the entire weekend, as walkers from across the country spend time in the hills.
Thanks to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the routes have been chosen to showcase this special area as well as ensuring that we leave as light a mark on the environment as possible. Malhamdale Area Ranger Cat Kilner, who was closely involved with last year’s event, explains: “The beautiful dales scenery offers it all for walkers, so we were delighted to be able to work with the Jane Tomlinson Appeal to host the first ever Yorkshire Dales Walking Festival. Early on, we had discussions about suitable routes combined with sustainable travel options, ensuring people were able to come and enjoy the National Park while having minimal impact. The boost to the area was very welcome, both in terms of promoting it and supporting local businesses. And the donation the appeal made to our Three Peaks Project will enable us to continue managing the paths so that others can enjoy them long into the future. We trust this year’s event will go from strength to strength!”
Walkers will be able to enjoy a hassle-free hike thanks to the additional trains which will be laid on by Northern Rail to help speed the charity ramblers to the dales. Drew Haley, Client and Stakeholder Manager for Northern Rail comments: “Last year we were privileged to take hundreds of walkers to and from the Walk for All event, while donating revenue from the special services directly to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal. The last 12 months has seen the Jane Tomlinson train take hundreds of thousands of people to work, or on leisure breaks around this fantastic part of our country and we very proud to be working with the team once again for such a fantastic cause.” Sara Birkinshaw Events Director at Walk For All, said: “We’re thrilled to be back for the second year in Settle for the Yorkshire Dales Walking Festival. The Tomlinson family have a real soft spot for the area so it’s a special event on our For All Events calendar. We hope that walkers across the country will embrace the festival as they did last year and we break all our records for another great day in August this year. The Yorkshire Dales Walking Festival routes really do offer a true Walk For All – a day out in wonderful countryside that can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of their age and fitness levels.”
By pulling on their walking boots for the Yorkshire Dales Walking Festival, many participants will be fundraising for one of the following event partner charities: Macmillan Cancer Support, Heart Research UK, Epilepsy Action, Arthritis Research UK, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Martin House Children’s Hospice, Parkinson’s UK, Diabetes UK and The Jane Tomlinson Appeal. The Yorkshire Dales Walk For All is supported by a number of kind supporters: Northern Rail, Yorkshire Post, Craven District Council and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. The Jane Tomlinson Walk For All Yorkshire Dales Walking Festival is open NOW for entries at http://www.forallevents.co.uk
For more information please contact press@forallevents.co.uk [N.B. Please mention the Eagle Intermedia Yorkshire Dales website when making your enquiries.]
[News item based on press release supplied by http://www.forallevents.co.uk posted July 2012.]
The Yorkshire Dales is designed and maintained by Eagle Intermedia Publishing Ltd.
