HUNDREDS of people will tramp along one of the country's best loved walking trails this weekend to celebrate its 40th birthday.

To celebrate the ruby anniversary of the Pennine Way, the Walk the Way in a Day celebrations have been organised by the Countryside Agency.

The 268-mile trail has been divided in to 50 one-day circular walks between seven and 19 miles long.

The walks have been devised for walkers of all abilities and it is hoped the entire route will be walked on Sunday.

Pam Warhurst, deputy chairwoman of the Countryside Agency said: "This was our first National Trail and is now regarded as the ultimate long distance walking challenge in England.

"The high numbers of visitors are a testament to the good management of the trail and the finest landscapes it crosses."

Steve Westwood, national trail officer, said: "I don't think there is a more fitting way to celebrate the 40th birthday of the Pennine Way than for walkers to visit every section of it on the 24th.

"Hopefully, for those who have not experienced the Pennine Way before, they will see what it has to offer and will then want to go on and plan walking the whole route in the future."

The Pennine Way runs from Edale, in the Peak District, to Kirk Yetholm, just over the border in Scotland.

It is used each year by 150,000 people, with 3,500 people completing it from start to finish.

In 1935, rambler and writer Tom Stephenson first raised the idea of the trail, but it took until April 24, 1965 for it to become a reality.

For more information on Walk the Way in a Day, visit: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/ pennineway/walktheway.asp