A GUIDED walk aimed at raising funds for charity is set to be launched around one of Lancashire's areas of "outstanding natural beauty."

The 'Perambulations of Bowland', which inspired the event, have a history stretching back centuries in the area around Slaidburn, near Clitheroe.

Now William, the 16th Lord of Bowland, hopes to revive this tradition which will see walkers map the area around the Forest of Bowland on Sunday October 3.

A spokesperson said: "There were Perambulations of Bowland in the 15th and 17th centuries where the Lord’s stewards beat the bounds mapping the extent of the forest and the land of the ten manors within the Liberty of Bowland, including the demesne of Slaidburn with its townships of Newton, West Bradford and Grindleton.

"The last Perambulation was undertaken by General George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle after he was awarded the Lordship of Bowland for his role in restoring Charles II to the throne in 1660.

"360 years later, William, 16th Lord of Bowland, has announced a new perambulation, although this 21st century version will be largely symbolic, taking the form of a guided walk from Slaidburn on Sunday, October 3, with all proceeds donated to local charities.

"William Bowland together with his heir, Henry of Bowland, will send the group off from the steps of Slaidburn Village Hall and welcome the walkers back at the end of their 10 mile perambulation."

They added: "This challenging circular walk from Slaidburn explores the south-eastern extremities of Bowland, beating the bounds first established under Henry V, Lord King of Bowland.

"Then over Bradford and Grindleton moors, to the Vaccary of Harrop, which bounds on south-east side of Bolton-by-Bowland."

The route will start from the car park in Slaidburn, before traversing the elevated pastures above the village, climbing gently to Harrop Fold, then more steeply through the woods and onto the summit of Bradford Fell.

It will be led by local walk leader Mark Sutcliffe and supported by members of Bowland Mountain Rescue and will last around five hours.

All participants will be asked to make a voluntary donation, with proceeds being split between Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team and Champion Bowland, which awards small grants to help fund community schemes in the Forest of Bowland.

To find out more, go to: https://tinyurl.com/mhxmnd92.