Residents turn out in memory of one of Jane’s favourite routes

Many ramblers from the village of Hope, nestled deep in the Peak District and the start and finish for the marathon walking event, pulled on their boots to take part in the first Walk For All Festival to be organised in the area.

Garry Warburton, 50, of Hope, told the Yorkshire Post he felt the event had put the area on the map for potential visitors from across the region.

“A lot of people in the village and surrounding area have got involved for today’s event,” he said.

“Obviously we know about Jane Tomlinson, but it always feels like these charity events are being held elsewhere.

“Usually it is down to us to travel elsewhere to take part in them but it is brilliant that it is being held on our doorstep.

“None of us are surprised about the weather though.

“If you live in the Hope Valley you are well used to getting four seasons all in one day.

“They should have held the walk the day before, it was lovely then.”

Mike Tomlinson organised the inaugural Walk For All Festival in Settle last year as it was a place he used to regularly explore with his wife Jane, and where the first signs of her terminal cancer appeared during a walk in 2000 – she was diagnosed four months later.

The event was a huge success with more than 2,000 hikers setting off from Settle and bed and breakfasts and pubs booking up for miles around.

A similar economic boost is hoped for the Peak District, which was chosen as the location for the second Walk for All as it was also a favourite walking spot of Mrs Tomlinson’s.

And following the response to yesterday’s event, organisers said they now hope to be able to expand the Peak District stage over the next few years.