Stepping up to the Jane Tomlinson challenge

All this week, in the run-up to the event on Sunday, conductors on the Leeds to Settle line are tracking their steps with a pedometer to see if they can walk a marathon – a distance hundreds of walkers have signed up to do during the second Dales Walk for All.

The rail firm is one of the sponsors of the event and has scheduled extra services to get walkers to and from Settle on August 19, with all fees going to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

A special ‘Jane Tomlinson’ service on Sunday leaves Leeds at 7am which, after calling at Shipley, Bingley, Keighley, Skipton and Hellifield, arrives into Settle in time for pre-walk registration. It will return for the weary walkers at 5pm to help deliver them back and those who wish to catch it should book in advance at www.walkforall.com.

Other services will also have extra carriages in order to carry more passengers than usual with more than 2,000 walkers expected to turn out and enjoy some of the National Park’s most stunning scenery.

Discounted fares of £13.50 are available for those entering for the 26, 14 or five mile routes which start from Settle.

Richard Allan, area director for Northern Rail said: “It might come as a surprise to some to discover just how many miles they cover walking up and down the carriage.”

Last year, 2000 people pulled on their walking boots for the inaugural sell-out event and many will be returning this year to take to the hills and enjoy the breathtaking views including the picturesque Malhamdale and two of Yorkshire’s famous Three Peaks, Pen-y-ghent and Ingleborough.

Wheelchair and pushchair users won’t miss out either as the 4.5 mile Walk and Wheel around Malham Tarn makes a welcome return.