Breadcrumbs
CELEBRATE 40 YEARS ON THE PENNINE WAY 20 April 2005
CELEBRATE 40 YEARS ON THE PENNINE WAY
Hundreds of people will step out onto the Pennine Way today (Sunday 24 April) to celebrate this landmark day in the Trail’s 40-year history.
The ‘Walk the Way in a Day’ celebrations, organised by the Countryside Agency, will see the entire 268-mile trail walked, as the route is divided into 50 one-day circular walks between seven and 19 miles long. The walks have been devised to help walkers of all abilities to celebrate this ‘ruby’ day for the Trail.
The Pennine Way is the oldest National Trail in England and is used by around 150,000 people a year on day trips and longer walks, with some 3,500 people a year completing it from start to finish. The Trail runs from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm just over the border in Scotland.
Pam Warhurst, deputy chair of the Countryside Agency said: “This was our first National Trail and is now regarded as the ultimate long distance walking challenge in England.
“The Trail was created 40 years ago and is one of England’s 11 official National Trails. The high numbers of visitors are a testament to the good management of the Trail and the finest landscapes it crosses. Most importantly, it shows the obvious enjoyment for people in getting out for a refreshing walk in the English countryside,” she continued.
Steve Westwood, National Trail Officer says; “ I don't think that there is a more fitting way to celebrate the 40th birthday of the Pennine Way than for walkers to visit every section of it on the 24th. Hopefully for those who have not experienced the Pennine Way before, they will see what it has to offer, and will then want to go on and plan walking the whole route in the future.”
In 1935 rambler and writer Tom Stephenson first raised the idea of a long green trail, but it took until 24 April 1965 for it to become a reality, when around 2,000 people gathered on Malham Moor in the Yorkshire Dales to celebrate its completion.
http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/PennineWay/index.asp
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Notes to editors
Additional materials include:
· A selection of photographs showing walkers, places of interest, Tom Stephenson and MPs walking the Pennine Way in 1948
· Broadcast quality aerial film footage of the entire 268-mile Pennine Way
· People who walked the Trail during the 1960’s are available for interview
· Anniversary logo available for use
The Pennine Way is one of 11 official National Trails designated, managed and part-funded by the Countryside Agency. In partnership with the Countryside Agency, the Pennine Way is looked after by the local Highway Authorities, the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Parks.
Following publication of the draft Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill in February, English Nature, the Rural Development Service and the Countryside Agency’s Landscape, Access and Recreation division are working towards integration as a single body: Natural England. It will work for people, places and nature with responsibility for enhancing biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas; promoting access, recreation and public wellbeing, and contributing to the way natural resources are managed – so they can be enjoyed now and for future generations.
English Nature is the independent Government agency that champions the conservation of wildlife and geology throughout England.
The Rural Development Service is the largest deliverer of the England Rural Development Programme and a range of advisory and regulatory rural services. With the administration of a multi-million pound grant budget for schemes which support land management, rural businesses and rural communities, the Rural Development Service is the single largest organisation working for the benefit of rural areas in England.
The Countryside Agency’s Landscape, Access and Recreation division aims to help everyone respect, protect and enjoy the countryside – protecting natural landscapes; and encouraging access to, enjoyment of and sustainable management and use of the countryside.
