The Nidderdale Walk is set to return this weekend for its 30th anniversary.

This year’s walk will take place on Sunday (May 19), starting in Pateley Bridge and heading into upper Nidderdale.

The walk is made up of six routes between 4 miles to 26 miles, with a new 18-mile hike added this year.

The routes take walkers through Wath, Ramsgill, Lofthouse, Gouthwaite, Fountains Earth Moor, and Scar House Reservoir.

The walk first took place in 1994 and has since raised more than £970,000 for local and national charities.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Harrogate, it generated £24,000 last year alone.

Brian Stuttard, chairman of the walk committee, told the Stray Ferret more than 300 people have signed up already.

The most popular walk is set to be the four mile journey from the Nidderdale valley and around Wath. There are already 93 walkers signed up to take part on the route.

Meanwhile, 59 people already signed up for the 26 mile marathon walk with a further 36 to take part in the new 18 mile hike from Pateley Bridge.

Mr Stuttard said:

In total 348 walkers have signed up to take part in the event this weekend.

He added it is difficult to predict the amount raised until after the event but they are hoping it will exceed £30,000 as that would mean the overall total raised would reach the £1 million milestone this year.

Walkers will also be able to attend refreshment stops at checkpoints along the way. Registration begins at 7am and those taking part in the 22-mile and 26-mile routes are expected to depart by 8am.

It costs £10 for adults to enter (£5 for the four-mile walk) and you can enter on the day. To sign up online or for more information on this year’s Nidderdale Walk click here.

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