Keswick Mountain Festival Hike programme offers walks for all

One of the UK’s most iconic outdoor destinations is preparing to be showcased as a walker’s paradise in May, during the Keswick Mountain Festival. Running from 18-22 May, this major Lake District event has quickly become one of the country’s leading outdoor festivals since its launch in 2007 and this year boasts its biggest ever ‘Hike’ programme, sponsored by Trekmates.

Keswick is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and iconic lakes and fells in Britain and the Keswick Mountain Festival is offering a comprehensive calendar of over 30 guided walks to visitors. From gentle lakeside strolls to exhilarating mountain scrambles, the Hike programme has something for walkers of all abilities and ages.

As an incentive, Trekmates will be giving away a free gift (DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE GIFT IS? IS IT WORTH MENTIONING?) to anyone who books on to any of the walks during the festival. Each walk will be led by a fully qualified local guide, who will not only make sure that walkers are safe and comfortable during their hike, but will also inform and entertain participants with their deep knowledge of the Lake District.

Kate Thomas, director of Keswick Mountain Festival, comments:

“Walking has always been at the heart of the Keswick Mountain Festival programme. How could it not be when we’re surrounded by such a fantastic landscape? We have put together a schedule of over 30 guided walks, designed to offer as much variety as possible, both in terms of the routes they take and the level of experience needed to tackle them.

“Our aim is for the Hike programme to appeal to Lake District veterans and new visitors alike. So, on one hand we have some great challenging walks, such as scaling Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak, and walking up Blencathra by night. At the other end scale we have some wonderful family walks with stunning views, taking in the great ‘Wainrights’ to the quiet beauty of Dock Tarn. And that’s just a taste of what I think is an outstanding Hike programme that is one of the highlights of this year’s festival.”

The organisers of Keswick Mountain Festival have also teamed up with Trekmates to put together a competition that will see one person (along with up to three companions) win a very special Lake District experience. The winner of ‘Lakeland 3000ers’ will be rewarded with an authentic two day Lakes adventure that will involve climbing England’s four highest mountains – Scafell Pike, Scafell, Helvellyn and Skiddaw. The prize, worth £2,000, includes accommodation (incorporating one night of wild camping), meals and £500 worth of Trekmates gear. The winner will be looked after throughout the weekend by a fully qualified guide from the British Association of International Mountain Leaders, allowing them to fully enjoy the experience with peace of mind.

To enter, people simply have to state in 250 words or less why they should win, who they would take with them, and why. The Lakeland 3000ers entry form can be found on the competitions page on www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk. Entries open on 4 February and close on 27 May. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges from Keswick Mountain Festival and Trekmates.

Full information about the Hike programme can be found at www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk, along with details of how to book places on each walk.

For more information contact Chris Lines at Press Ahead on 0191 516 6235, 07971 868329, cl@pressahead.info or www.twitter.com/chrisjlines.