Published May 24, 2022 at 14:04
Rossendale Council and Rossendale Leisure Trust have installed five walking boards across Rossendale – Rawtenstall, Bacup, Haslingden, Waterfoot and Whitworth.
The new ‘Walk Rossendale’ walking boards are easy to use and highlight local destinations and attractions in the valley.
In each town centre, there are 3 walks to choose from and all routes are way marked to help direct people to their destination.
The 30, 60 and 90 minute routes vary in levels of length and difficulty, with lots to discover. Muddy boot trails have also been included for those who don’t mind a messy adventure.
Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of Rossendale Council said: “As part of a wide range of local projects enabling better health for everyone in our community, Walk Rossendale has been designed to encourage more people to walk in the borough and to increase footfall into Rossendale’s town centres. Each town and village in Rossendale has its own unique offering, with our beautiful scenery, host of interesting and unusual places to visit and attractions, superb outdoor activities, heritage, culture and so much more. We have lots of great leisure facilities in Rossendale and this is just another reason to get out and about in the borough and to get active.”
Walks are already being planned from Haslingden Community Link Centre in Haslingden to raise awareness of the boards.
Julie Holden, from Rossendale Leisure Trust, Project Officer for Together an Active Future said: “The walking boards are a great way to encourage more people to be more active. Through local research we discovered one of the biggest barriers to walking is actually knowing where to go.
“We know that being outdoors is beneficial for our mental wellbeing and the benefits of walking are endless. Rossendale is a beautiful place to live and we hope the boards will encourage more people to venture out and enjoy the footpaths and countryside.”
Sue Shuttleworth, the Chair of Civic Pride in Rossendale said: “The walking boards are a great idea. We live in a beautiful place. Now more people will be able discover new walking routes right here on our doorstep.
“Our team of volunteers’ plan to test the way marked routes in Rawtenstall. Civic Pride are highly visible in the community and often get asked about the local area. We will be able to signpost people to the boards.”
Peter Dunn, Centre Development Manager at The ABD centre in Bacup said: “The walking boards will be a great asset for our community. The walks will provide an opportunity to share some of the fascinating history that makes up Rossendale. The longer walk in Bacup takes in the Irwell Sculpture Trail birds and Lee Quarry.”
You can find out more about Walk Rossendale on the Visit Rossendale website- https://bit.ly/WalkRossendale