The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has given its backing to Pickering’s first walking festival, which will be held on Friday 16^th April, Saturday 17^th and Sunday 18^th April 2010.

The heritage steam railway, which serves as a gateway to the moors and coast, will add to the charm of a festival which could, if deemed successful, become an annual event.  It will help provide some of the transport links in order to allow scores of walkers to enjoy the scenery in the North York Moors National Park.

The Railway will form an integral part of a Boots and Steam itinerary on Sunday 18^th April for those keen to relive the glory of steam, alongside a choice of walks ranging from 2.5 miles to 15 miles in length.

There will be other options on other days, including a Boots and Bus itinerary on the Saturday, and some local walks in and around Pickering to better appreciate its history and geology.

The event is being co-ordinated through Sam Borman, Chairman of the recently formed “Walkers are Welcome” group in Pickering.  Mr Borman came up with the idea for a walking festival, as a means of attracting additional visitors to the town and the local area.

“There’s plenty of choice over the weekend, from a variety of linear and circular walks to local entertainment” said Mr Borman.

“We’ve taken great care to offer something for everyone, and with guides to ease the process.  We want the overall experience to be a good one, so that visitors will want to return to the area again and again.  We are delighted with the support we have received from the business community” he said.

Philip Benham, General Manager of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, said “Looking back, the Railways in Britain had a very close association with the great outdoors.  Posters would promote places of interest, attractive scenery and pastimes including walking, cycling and enjoying the coast..  It makes absolute sense for us to support this new venture, and to add to the overall experience.  We wish the organisers every success.”

Pickering is the 26^th town in Britain to adopt a “Walkers are Welcome” label.   These are towns with like-minded people who are keen to promote enjoyment of the great outdoors through walking.  The first town to adopt this approach was Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire.    Since then a total of 36 towns across Britain have bitten the bullet – each pursuing community led initiatives designed to support the local economy.

A number of other local businesses have joined the Railway in backing the walking festival.   Those keen to put their best foot forward can find out more by calling 01751 477325 or by going to www.pickeringwaw.btik.com .    There’s a pick ‘n mix list of all walks and entertainment, each priced individually, enabling participants to simply choose what they’d like to do. Transport is included in the price, where relevant.