Pendle Hill is on the challenge walk route

A mountain rescue team is making a last-minute appeal for walkers to hit the hills this weekend to help raise funds for its activities.

Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team’s Pendle Way in a Day challenge is a tough 72km (45-mile) event round the landscape made famous by its witches 400 years ago.

For those not up to the full distance, there is a ‘half-way’ route, which actually covers either 25 or 30 miles, with transport back to the start at Barley village in Lancashire.

A spokesperson for the team said: “If you’ve not tried an event like this before, you’ll obviously have to be in relatively good shape physically.

“This is not an escorted walk; you’re expected to navigate your own route, albeit the route is well signposted we recommend you provide yourself with a suitable map.

“Entrants are advised to carry a rucksack with normal day-walking kit plus nibbles and drinks enough to see them round the route.

“With signs, map and route book, you shouldn’t go wrong – but if you do, then mountain rescue will be on hand to find you.”

The 7 July event costs £10 per person to enter, but participants are also being encouraged to obtain extra sponsorship. More than 100 people have signed up for the challenge, but organisers said there are still places available.

More details are on the Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team’s website.