Record numbers of walkers took to the streets and fields of Pendle for the 10th annual Pendle Pub Walk.

More than 2,700 people put their best foot forward for the 10-mile walk, which is organised by Pendleside Hospice and members of Burnley Pendleside Rotary Club and raises money for the Reedley-based hospice and rotary club charities.

Dressed in pink t-shirts and some fancy-dress costumes, participants started from either the Sparrowhawk in Fence or Barley Village Hall on a circular route through some of the areas most scenic countryside including Fence, Barley, Roughlee, Blacko, Higherford and Barrowford.

Pendle Pub Walk has become one of the biggest and best-loved events in the hospice’s fundraising calendar, and helps the hospice to raise the £4m it needs to continue to provide its vital community services.

The event was also enjoyed by a special walker, a 3ft teddy bear used to advertise the hospice’s Barrowford shop, which was out in the village having photos with walkers. During the walk the bear went missing and an appeal went out on social media to trace the bear. Luckily the bear was later found having enjoyed some time in a local pub!

Christina Cope, Fundraising Manager for Pendleside Hospice said: “It’s really fitting that we had a record number of walkers take part in our 10th annual Pendle Pub Walk in the hospice’s 30th anniversary year.

“The walk has been getting bigger and bigger year-on-year, and yet again the it exceeded all our expectations. 

“As with previous years there was a fantastic atmosphere all the way along the route, with lots of the pubs taking part putting on extra food and drinks stalls as well as other refreshments and entertainment.

“Despite the damp weather our walkers said they had a fantastic time and it was great to see the sea of people wearing pink t-shirts in support of the hospice and Burnley Pendleside Rotary Club. We’d like to thank the Rotary Club, everyone who took part in the walk, and all the volunteers who took time out to lend their support to the event."

 

This year 2,700 people were registered to take part, far surpassing the 2232 walkers that took part last year.