AN isolated community in a national park is set to welcome crowds of visitors to a festival dedicated to walking.

The Rosedale Walking Festival, on Saturday (June 13) and Sunday (June 14) will include events ranging from a leisurely stroll with a cup of tea and cake at the end of it and wildlife rambles to a hike following the spiritual way of the pilgrims and a treasure hunt for children.

The 8.5-mile Pilgrims’ Way walk on Saturday, starting at 1.30pm at Ebenezer Methodist Chapel, Rosedale East, will be led by Edward Harpin, from The Orange Tree relaxation centre, and follow some of the ancient tracks and sacred landmarks at the heart of local folklore.

A five-mile history walk, starting at 10.30am on Sunday on Rosedale Abbey village green and led by Rosedale History Society members, will follow the old railway line at the top of the dale’s Chimney Bank, passing Dale Head, Thorgill and the East Mines.

Ian Thompson, of Rosedale’s Walkers are Welcome committee, said: “We’re now into our third year, and the Rosedale Walking Festival is bringing more and more people to our beautiful dale.

“And with the North York Moors National Park recently named as Britain’s Capital of Cake, what better time to stop off for a refreshing cuppa and a piece of the best cake around.”

In 2012, Rosedale Abbey, the dale’s main village, became the first village in the North York Moors National Park to gain Walkers are Welcome status.

Events cost from £1 to £12 and children take part for free.

Walkers can turn up on the day, but numbers are limited. To book, call 01751-417505 or email walkrosedale@outlook.com or visit rosedaleabbey.com/walking-festival.html