Last updated at 12:00, Sunday, 24 February 2013

A STUNNING Lake District day set the scene perfectly for the launch of an event aimed at encouraging people to get out, get active and enjoy the beauty of the world around them.

Organisers of Jane Tomlinson’s Lake District Walking Festival gathered at the home of Peter Rabbit in Bowness to kick off the countdown to the 2013 event, which promises to be “bigger and better” in its second year.

The day-long event, due to take place on September 8, is part of Jane Tomlinson Walk For All’s newly-launched Wake Up to Walking campaign, which aims to promote this and similar annual challenges in the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District.

Around 1,000 people are expected to tackle a five, 13 or 22-mile course during this year’s Lake District event, the range of routes designed to encourage people of all ages and abilities to explore the countryside in a safe, fun and friendly environment.

Event lead organiser, Tristan Batley-Kyle, said: “Last year, people felt the 18-mile route was long enough, but wanted a bit more of a challenge. So we’ve added in a four-mile section around Loughrigg Fell, so there’s a bit of climbing now, too.

“The five-mile and 13-mile ones, we’ve also changed a little. They follow the same route, but at a higher level, so people get to enjoy the views from Jenkin Crag.”

Mr Batley-Kyle said the Walk For All element of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal had stemmed from the charity’s original Run For All events, which saw the establishment of various 10k races held in her memory.

The organisation has also now branched into “Swim For All” events.

Mr Batley-Kyle said: “It’s moved on in that a lot of people can run, but a lot more people can walk, and that’s where we’ve grown – to try and cater for everyone.

“When Jane was terminally diagnosed, a lot of people might have given up, but she battled it. It’s that ethos that you can do anything, as long as you try.”

Registration and entry fees for the event go to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, which shares its funds between children’s and cancer charities.

The Walking Festival is supported by the Lake District National Park, Nurture Lakeland, the North West Evening Mail and BBC Radio Cumbria.

Entries are now open, with prices ranging from £8 to £20 depending the course chosen. Family entry for the five mile course costs £5 per person.

Go to www.forallevents.co.uk/walk-for-all to sign up.

First published at 13:59, Monday, 25 February 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk