IT was pouring with rain but there were smiles all round when 10 walkers left Albany on an end-to-end trek to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Bibbulmun Track opening.

They are expected to be met by a community celebration in each town along the track, as they aim to complete the 965km journey in Kalamunda by Saturday, September 13, on the date of the anniversary.

The Bibbulmun Track Foundation (BTF) encouraged people from all over Australia to join in the celebrations by walking a section.

The journey began with an official send-off ceremony in Albany yesterday and the 10 end-to-end walkers paraded down York Street, led by bagpipes and supporters.

They were then farewelled at the Bibbulmun Track's Albany Terminus.

After being given a Welcome to Country by a Noongar elder,

Albany MLA Peter Watson handed the group a engraved walking stick.

With the rain continuing to fall, the group then set off on their walk.

“This event is a fantastic opportunity to thank all those who were involved in the initial building of the Bibbulmun Track and those who maintain it,” BTF’s Linda Daniels said.

“We would love to encourage as many people as possible to become involved either by walking a section, or joining in the community events planned for each town.”