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Summary: As part of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022 this new circular walking trail around the beautiful Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was created by Ribble Valley Borough Council. Keen walker Stuart Hurst, Mayor of the Council at the time, devised this new route with seven stages, linking scenic local villages and places of interest around the Ribble Valley. Starting in the popular walking town of Whalley, the route is split into seven easily manageable sections and is designed to be walked as a challenging three-day trek, or a more relaxed 5-7 day walking tour. Along the way, the walk visits picture postcard villages like Downham and Slaidburn and also climbs to the summit of iconic Pendle Hill. The route was planned, reconnoitred and waymarked personally by Stuart with help from Council colleagues and the support of Lancashire Footpaths Officers. It is suitable for experienced walkers who are comfortable covering 7-12 miles a day in hilly terrain, although the shorter individual sections could comfortably be completed by less experienced walkers. As well as a fitting Jubilee tribute to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in her Platinum Jubilee year, the route will also be developed as a permanent visitor attraction supporting the Ribble Valley’s tourism offer to attract walkers to spend more time exploring our beautiful – but often overlooked – area of rural Lancashire. (credits: Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail)