A FORTNIGHT of organised walking from light strolls to countryside walks is coming to Blackburn with the Weavers Way Walking Festival taking place from June 16 to 27.

There will be something for everyone during the festival, now in its 11th year, with more than 20 of themed walks for all ages and abilities.

People can explore the Witton Weavers Way with Countryside Services, or follow in the footsteps of Alfred Wainwright with several walks that will take you on his journey as a young man growing up in the town.

The walks will explore the local area and the wonderful West Pennine Moors, including walks along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to heritage walks at Witton Country Park and Corporation Park.

Local rambling groups support the event with their special walks for the more experienced walker or for beginners check out the Pleasington Pleasures with the councils health and fitness team.

Specific walks in the Blackburn area include a ‘First Steps’ walk around Corporation Park lasting 45 to 50 minutes at 1.30pm on Monday, June 16, meet at the West Park Lodge.

Also at the 10.30pm on June 16 The Pleasington Pleasures walk will take in three and a half miles along the top of Billinge and down into Pleasington, meet at Witton Park Pavilion.

On Tuesday, June 17, at 12.30pm, office workers are encouraged to enjoy a brisk 30-minute walk to Corporation Park, meet outside the Town Hall.

Wednesday, June 17 will include a Ladies Only Beginners Walk between 10am to 11am starting at the Bangor Street Community centre in Bastwell.

Also on that Wednesday there will be longer Tacklers Walk for 9.5 miles along the Witton Weavers Way starting at 10am at Sunnyhurst Wood Visitor Centre.

Other Walks during the festival include the Wainwright Way beginning at 10am on Friday, June 20 at Blackburn Railway station. The 11-mile hike takes walkers all the way to Whalley visiting viewpoints and places made famous by writer Alfred Wainwright.

On Sunday, June 22 two of Blackburn’s finest open spaces can be explored during a walk of almost three miles taking in