Hundreds of walkers and their dogs gathered in Greenmount to walk or run 18 to 25 miles as part of an annual event.  

Nearly 238 people took on the challenge at Greenmount Old School Community Centre on Sunday, March 12 to complete the East Lancashire Long Distance Walkers Association’s Two Crosses Challenge event.  

Bury Times: Entrants on the challenge Entrants on the challenge (Image: Public)

The challenge is to walk or run 18 or 25 miles in nine hours, taking in the ancient Affetside and Pilgrim’s crosses en route. 

Entrants were "fed and watered" at checkpoints, including the famous "Naughty Corner" where entrants can, if they wish, have a tot of brandy, whisky or sherry to keep up their spirits.  

Bury Times: Alfred Tennant, Canine Coordinator, taking a well earned nap Alfred Tennant, Canine Coordinator, taking a well earned nap (Image: Public)

Social secretary at East Lancashire Long Distance Walkers, Caroline Tennant, said: “Once again the Two Crosses has been a highly successful event with a community of walkers and runners enjoying a picturesque but very challenging route around our glorious Lancashire countryside.”  

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Bury Times: New footbridge in Redisher WoodsNew footbridge in Redisher Woods (Image: Public)

The weather was dry with fair skies for most of the day and feedback from entrants was positive, with many claiming they had a "fantastic day".  

Another talking point of the day focused on the improvements and new footbridge on the route through Redisher Woods.  

Bury Times: Entrants setting off from GreenmountEntrants setting off from Greenmount (Image: Public)

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Caroline said: “The improvements made in Redisher Woods over the last few months have made that section of the route safer for Two Crosses entrants but also has provided better facilities for the community as a whole.” 

The East Lancashire LDWA, The Ramblers, the council and the National Long Distance Walkers Association collaborated to make the changes again following the installation of new steps and a kissing gate earlier in the year. 

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