AMBITIOUS adventurers are being encouraged to don their mountain boots and get involved with a free walking festival which is taking place throughout January in the Lake District.

Head for the Hills! is inviting people in their 20's, 30's and 40's in Cumbria to step out with Summit Good Ramblers and explore the wintry wonders of the Lake District.

The moderate walks are aimed at both new and existing walkers who want to be more active in 2017, make new friends and explore beautiful countryside.

The first foray into the Lake District will take place on Sunday January 8 at 9:45am. The six-and-a-half mile trek starts outside Ambleside's tourist and information centre before walking up Loughrigg Fell.

The moderate walk will allow trekkers to take in "superb views" and has been described by organisers as an "excellent way of burning-off the mince pies and indulgences of the Christmas festivities."

A second walk has been organised on Saturday January 14 up High Rigg before another trek on Sunday January 15 around Thirlmere. The final walk of the festival has been arranged for Sunday January 22 up Walla Crag and Bleaberry Fell.

Wayne Ingamells, programme coordinator of Summit Good, said: "Winter is one of the best times to go out for a walk. There’s something truly inspiring about putting on your hat and gloves, heading out with your friends into the hills and breathing in the crisp, cool, countryside air.

“Our “Head for the Hills!” walking festival is our way of showing off some of the great sites the Lake District has to the younger walkers in Cumbria.

"Our walks during the festival are free, fun, friendly and open to everyone, so put on your boots, wrap up warm, bring your sandwiches and a flask of tea and join us as we enjoy the season the way we know best, on our feet.”

For more information on how to join in, contact Tom Middleton, the festival coordinator, on 07760 660113 or email summittgoodrambling@gmail.com.

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