Published at 13:09, Sunday, 13 January 2013

REGISTRATION for a charity walk that attracts thousands will open on Monday.

FUNDRAISERS: Walkers set off for last year’s walk from the Keswick start line LINDSEY DICKINGS REF: 50033485B007

The Keswick to Barrow Walk, now in its 47th year, saw 2,488 take part raising a total of £310,291 last year.

The 40-mile route takes in some of the Lake District’s most beautiful scenery and this year’s event is due to take place on May 11.

Organisers are urging teams of between six and 12 walkers to sign up for the event early to avoid missing out.

The route attracts walkers from across the country – of 352 teams which participated last year, there were 92 from outside Cumbria and more than 200 local teams, including 14 youth and five women’s teams.

The event is organised by the Keswick to Barrow Walk Committee, whose president is John Hudson, managing director of BAE Systems Maritime – Submarines.

The walk starts at Rough How Bridge, three miles south of Keswick.

The route passes down the banks of Thirlmere before winding up and over Dunmail Raise and down through the beautiful villages of Grasmere and Elterwater.

From there the walk passes Yew Tree Tarn before reaching the head of Coniston Water, where the quiet east bank of the lake is followed.

There are fine views of Coniston Old Man as the route passes Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin, then continues through the tranquil village of Nibthwaite before arriving in Lowick.

The most challenging part of the walk is the ascent of Kirkby Moor to the highest point of the route, which then descends through the village of Marton and on via Dalton to the finish at Hawcoat Park Sports Club in Barrow.

For more information on the walk, or to sign up your team visit www.keswick2barrow.co.uk.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk