Burley Summer Festival Walks Programme 2025
Booking arrangements:
Festival walks will need to be booked in advance directly with Walkers are Welcome. The booking system is separate to that for booking other Festival events. There are usually 28 places on each walk.
No booking is needed on either the Sun Lane Reserve walk or the End of Festival walk- both on Sunday 27 August.
Booking for walks will not open until Saturday 26 July. The only opportunity to book in person will be on Saturday 26 July from 10 am to 1pm at the Roundhouse. After that bookings can only be made by text (not by email). To request one or more spaces on a walk - send a text to the Walkers are Welcome phone: 07900 489498
You will receive a text to confirm you have a place. If spaces are still available, you can book places up until the start of each walk.
When booking in person please note there is a limit of 3 walks for up to 4 people. There is no limit on bookings made later by text.
Once a booking is made, please remember to cancel it as soon as possible if you can no longer make the walk. The space can then be offered to someone else. One or two days before each walk you will receive a text as a reminder and to confirm arrangements. Remember to bring enough food and water for the length of walk, allowing extra if the weather is hot.
Payment for any minibus travel will be taken in cash on the bus.
Festival walks will need to be booked in advance directly with Walkers are Welcome. The booking system is separate to that for booking other Festival events. There are usually 28 places on each walk.
No booking is needed on either the Sun Lane Reserve walk or the End of Festival walk- both on Sunday 27 August.
Booking for walks will not open until Saturday 26 July. The only opportunity to book in person will be on Saturday 26 July from 10 am to 1pm at the Roundhouse. After that bookings can only be made by text (not by email). To request one or more spaces on a walk - send a text to the Walkers are Welcome phone: 07900 489498
You will receive a text to confirm you have a place. If spaces are still available, you can book places up until the start of each walk.
When booking in person please note there is a limit of 3 walks for up to 4 people. There is no limit on bookings made later by text.
Once a booking is made, please remember to cancel it as soon as possible if you can no longer make the walk. The space can then be offered to someone else. One or two days before each walk you will receive a text as a reminder and to confirm arrangements. Remember to bring enough food and water for the length of walk, allowing extra if the weather is hot.
Payment for any minibus travel will be taken in cash on the bus.
Saturday August 16
Weston Church
6 miles 3 hrs walking Easy / Moderate Circular
Depart: 9.30 am Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
This is a circular walk into the Nidderdale National landscape to visit the 11th century All Saints Church in the hamlet of Weston. Normally closed when not open for worship, there will be a chance to see fascinating features such as the 18th century box pews, the three-decker pulpit and the Squire’s Parlour. The route to Weston will be across the stepping stones over the River Wharfe. If it’s unsafe to cross, we will let walkers know about alternative arrangements by text. Remember to bring something to drink and a picnic. The aim is to be back in Burley by 2pm.
There will be an option of continuing to Otley for those wanting to join the Gallows Hill walk in the afternoon.
Cost: Bring a donation towards church maintenance
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Saturday August 16
Gallows Hill Nature Reserve, Otley
3 miles 3 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 2pm
Meet at: The Clocktower, Otley Market Place
Lying to the east of Otley alongside the River Wharfe, the Gallows Hill Nature Reserve is rich in wildlife. Covering an area of 13.5 acres there is woodland and grassland with several ponds. Owned by Otley Town Council and managed by Wharfedale Naturalists, the reserve has a variety of habitats for birds, amphibians, butterflies and dragonflies. There is a large population of common toads, along with frogs and four species of newts. After a short walk from Otley town centre there will be a tour of the site led by one of the volunteers who look after the reserve. The well-maintained paths are level with a number of benches. Remember to bring something to drink. No dogs please. The aim is to return to Otley by 5pm.
Cost: Free. Booking: Required - limit on numbers (28)
Monday August 18
Biodiversity on Denton Reserve
4 miles 2.5 hrs walking Moderate Circular
Depart: 9.30 am
Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
Return travel to Yarnett House Farm will by minibus. From there, Nick Bailey, one of the owners of the Denton Reserve, will lead a walk around the reserve to places that are gradually being repurposed for biodiversity and carbon capture. He will take us to new areas not covered on previous walks, giving an update on developments as well as sharing his future plans. Remember to bring enough to drink and wear suitable footwear and clothing. Some of the walking will be on rough ground. There may be some stiles. No dogs please. The aim is to return to Burley for around 1pm.
Cost: £4.00 for return minibus transport from Burley to Denton. Pay in cash on the minibus
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Monday August 18
Acrecliffe Farm Equestrian Centre – a national centre of excellence
3.8 miles 2 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 2pm
Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
This is a pleasant walk to the family-run equestrian centre of Acrecliffe Farm on the outskirts of Otley, going along the old railway line, field paths and tracks. Fiona Everall, the owner, will take us on a tour of the centre, sharing information about its range of activities. The centre is of national importance for its high standard of coaching work undertaken for the British Horse Society. Visitors come from all over the world. The centre also contributes to Riding for the Disabled and the Changing Lives Through Horses programme. The walk has two stiles. Remember to bring something to drink. No dogs please. The aim is to return to Burley by 5pm.
Cost: Free.
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Tuesday August 19
The development of Ilkley from village to spa resort
2.5 miles 2 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 10am Meet at: Ilkley Bus Station
Ilkley was transformed from a quiet village to a rapidly expanding spa resort in the 10 years from 1861 to 1871, with a population increase of over 140%. Alex Cockshott from Ilkley Civic Society will lead the walk. She will chart these rapid changes by visiting key sites and buildings in the centre of town and nearby areas, starting with the railway station and finishing up at the site of the Roman fort. This will be a fascinating insight into the social and economic history of the town. The route is mostly level with some gentle inclines. Please bring a drink. We aim to finish by midday.
Cost: Free
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Tuesday August 19
Geology and Botany on Otley Chevin
4 miles 2.5 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 1.30 pm
Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
The Chevin is a prominent local landmark, its steep wooded slopes dominating the Otley skyline. Minibus transport will take us to the start of the walk at East Chevin Quarry car park. Ian Brand, President of Wharfedale Naturalists will lead the walk. His exploration starts 350 million years ago and brings us right up to the present day. Both the rocks and plants found enroute all have fascinating stories to tell. There is one short steep section, otherwise the walk will be on tracks and forest paths, some of which may be muddy. Remember to bring a drink and snack and wear suitable footwear. No dogs please. The aim is to be back in Burley for around 5pm.
Cost: £3.00 for return minibus transport. Pay in cash on the bus.
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (20)
Wednesday August 20
4 Moors Circuit
16 miles 8 hrs walking Strenuous Circular
Depart: 9am
Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
The West Yorks branch of the Long Distance Walkers Association will lead this high-level walk. The route will include Burley Moor, Ilkley Moor, Addingham High Moor and Rombalds Moor. Remember to bring sufficient drink, snacks and a picnic lunch. You should also have appropriate footwear and outerwear and be prepared for what is a challenging high-level walk with some uneven moorland paths.
Cost: Free
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Wednesday August 20
Burley’s railways
5.5 miles 3 hrs walking Easy to Moderate Circular
Depart: 9.30 am
Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
This year’s railway walk will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of modern rail travel with the opening of the Stockton and Darlington railway, followed in 1865 by the arrival of the railway in Burley in Wharfedale. The circular walk around the edge of the village looks at some interesting features including the site of Burley’s lost railway. Part of the walk will be through fields where dogs must be kept on a lead. There may be a stile on the route. More detailed information about the route will be available at the time of booking. Remember to bring drinks and snacks. The aim is to be back in the village by 12.30pm.
Cost: Free
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Wednesday August 20
Bronze Age Burley
4 miles 3.5 hrs walking Moderate Circular
Depart: 1.30 pm Meet at: Burley Woodhead Village Green, top of Moor Lane
This is a walk to the higher-level archaeological sites on Burley Moor, including Little and Great Skirtful of Stones and the Grub Stones ring cairn. The route may vary according to weather conditions. There are some steep gradients and rough walking away from the footpath. Please make sure you have suitable footwear and clothing with enough to drink. The aim is to end the walk by 5pm with refreshments at the Hermit Inn, where we will have chance to examine artefacts collected from sites across Burley Moor. No dogs please.
Cost: Free – bring money for refreshments.
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Thursday August 21
Harewood long walk
9.6 miles 5 hrs walking Moderate / Strenuous Circular
Depart: 9.30 am Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
After arriving in Harewood village by minibus the walk follows the Ebor Way alongside the River Wharfe to reach the Leeds Country Way, passing through the gentle pastoral landscape of Lower Wharfedale. The final part of the walk is through the woodland and meadows of the Harewood Estate. Remember to bring drinks and a picnic lunch. The aim is to finish the walk at the Muddy Boots café in Harewood village at around 3pm.
Cost: £8.00 for return minibus transport. Pay cash on the minibus.
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (14)
Thursday August 21
Harewood short walk
4.7 miles 3 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 9.30 am Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
This is a lovely walk around the perimeter of the Harewood Estate with views of the House and the deer park, following good paths and tracks throughout. The route is mostly level but with some gentle gradients. Remember to bring drinks and snacks. At the end of the walk there will be chance to get refreshments at a venue in Harewood village. The aim is to return to Burley by around 2pm.
Cost: £8.00 towards cost of minibus hire. Pay cash on the day.
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (14)
Friday August 22
Reservoirs and Upper Mills Walk
6 miles 3 hrs walking Moderate circular
Depart: 9.30 am Meet at: Burley Woodhead Village Green, top of Moor Lane
This walk will visit the natural water catchment area on Burley Moor including three reservoirs. There will be a chance to learn something about why and how these were constructed. Leaving the moor, we will follow Carr Beck down to the sites of Burley Woodhead’s four early water-powered textile mills where we will hear about their impact on the local economy and environment. The walk will finish at Bleach Mill around 12.30 pm where drinks will be on offer.
There will be a climb up to the moor and paths will be rocky and uneven in places. Suitable footwear is needed. There are several stone squeeze stiles. Remember to bring water and snacks for the walk.
Cost: Free
Booking: Required - limit on numbers (28)
Friday August 22
Tales from a Head Teacher
4 miles 2 hours walking Easy Circular
Depart: 1.45 pm
Meet at: Roundhouse, Grange Park
This circular walk is to the former Licensed Victuallers School in Ben Rhydding, now forming part of the Audley Clevedon retirement village. Malcolm Bland, former Head Teacher at the school, will share some of his fascinating insights and experiences from teaching and running the school, as well as the history of the site. Tea, coffee, scones and cakes will be available. The walk will be on field paths and tracks and may be muddy in places. There are no stiles. We aim to be back in Burley at about 5.30 pm
No dogs please.
Cost: Free - bring money for drinks and refreshments
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Friday August 22
Night walk over Burley and Ilkley Moors
5 miles 3 hrs walking Strenuous Circular
Depart: 7.30 pm
Meet at: Burley Woodhead Village Green, top of Moor Lane.
This is a high-level circular walk onto Burley and Ilkley Moors, visiting the Twelve Apostles stone circle. On a clear night there should be extensive night-time views over Wharfedale and Airedale. The route will include rough moor paths and may be altered in poor weather or bad ground conditions. Adequate footwear, warm clothing, snacks and a drink are essential as well as a working torch or head torch with spare batteries. The aim is to return to the Hermit for refreshments by 10.30pm. The minimum age limit is 18. No dogs please.
Cost: Free - bring money for refreshments.
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Saturday August 23
Upland farming in Wharfedale
5.3 miles 3.5 hrs walking Moderate Circular
Depart: 10am
Meet at: Ilkley Bus Station
The walk will visit West Moor House farm, the upland farm run by Rob and Penny Paisley and includes a guided tour. The farm specialises in rearing pedigree beef Shorthorn cattle and pure bred Swaledale sheep along with rare breed Greyface Dartmoor and Welsh Badger Face sheep. The outward 3-mile route will climb up from Ilkley along paths, lanes and tracks, passing Myddleton Lodge to the farm on the edge of Middleton Moor. We will spend about two and a half hours at the farm including a lunch break (indoor picnic space is available). The return 2-mile route to Ilkley is along lanes and footpaths. The aim to be back in Ilkley by about 4pm. Bring a picnic lunch and drinks and wear suitable footwear and clothing. There are some stiles. No dogs please.
Cost: Free
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Saturday August 23
A history stroll through Stead
4.7 miles 3 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 2pm
Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
The ancient hamlet of Stead has a long and fascinating history. The walk will explore cobbled tracks and pass the site of the long-demolished Stead Hall, once linked to the Knights Templar. We will learn something of the more recent history from Stead resident Jean Fearnley. Jean will also provide refreshments from her farmyard refreshment cabin. There is one stile and one gentle ascent. Remember to wear suitable footwear. We aim to be back in Burley by 5pm.
Cost: Free – bring money for drinks and snacks
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Sunday August 24
Sun Lane Nature Reserve – biodiversity hot spot
1 mile 2 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 10am
Meet at: Main entrance to Sun Lane Nature Reserve
On the site of the old village tip, Sun Lane is now a wonderful Local Nature Reserve at the western end of the village, one of only three with this status in Bradford District. Led jointly by Peter and Ann Riley the walk will introduce the wide variety of flowers and wildlife now established on the Reserve. Peter will highlight its importance for biodiversity and the need to carefully protect and nurture it as a unique wildlife resource for the future. Ann will be looking out for bees and bugs, sharing her extensive knowledge of these and other small creatures that live on the reserve. No dogs please.
Cost: Free
Booking: Not required – just turn up.
Sunday August 25
End of Festival Walk to the River Wharfe - accessible for all
2 (or 3) miles 1.5 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 2.00 pm
Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
This is an accessible walk to mark the end of the festival walking programme, starting along
Main Street then down Leatherbank to the Weir and stepping stones. The route then
follows the Goit, rich in wildlife, before going up the recently created path to Great Pasture.
More accessible paths lead us back to the village. Those wanting to go a little further have
the option of continuing on a narrower and sometimes rough riverside path before
returning along Otley Old Road. Refreshments will be available at the Library with proceeds
going to the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Cost: Free – bring money for refreshments.
Booking: Not required – just turn up.
Saturday September 6
The Bradford Faith Trail
3 miles 1.5 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 8.30am from Burley by train, or meet at 10am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Bradford
Meet at: Burley railway station or St. Peter’s Church
Ever wondered what’s in a church, masjid, mandir or gurdwara? The Bradford Faith Trail offers a unique opportunity to discover a little bit about Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Christian (Roman Catholic and Church of England) faith buildings, about the faiths within and how they link into Bradford’s local community culture and faith heritage. We will be shown round each place of worship by experienced guides who will also answer questions. Visitors are asked to wear modest clothing and remove shoes at the masjid, temple and gurdwara. A headscarf is needed at the gurdwara – either your own or you can borrow one. A langar (vegetarian lunch) is provided by members of the Sikh community. The walk from Forster Square Station to the start of the Trail at St. Peter’s church involves a gentle climb up Leeds Road. The trail itself is approximately a mile in length and finishes at Bradford Cathedral at approximately 3.45pm. More details can be found at www.bradfordcathedral.org.uk/faith-trail
Cost: Free – but donations can be made at the Gurdwara towards the cost of the lunch.
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (20)
Weston Church
6 miles 3 hrs walking Easy / Moderate Circular
Depart: 9.30 am Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
This is a circular walk into the Nidderdale National landscape to visit the 11th century All Saints Church in the hamlet of Weston. Normally closed when not open for worship, there will be a chance to see fascinating features such as the 18th century box pews, the three-decker pulpit and the Squire’s Parlour. The route to Weston will be across the stepping stones over the River Wharfe. If it’s unsafe to cross, we will let walkers know about alternative arrangements by text. Remember to bring something to drink and a picnic. The aim is to be back in Burley by 2pm.
There will be an option of continuing to Otley for those wanting to join the Gallows Hill walk in the afternoon.
Cost: Bring a donation towards church maintenance
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Saturday August 16
Gallows Hill Nature Reserve, Otley
3 miles 3 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 2pm
Meet at: The Clocktower, Otley Market Place
Lying to the east of Otley alongside the River Wharfe, the Gallows Hill Nature Reserve is rich in wildlife. Covering an area of 13.5 acres there is woodland and grassland with several ponds. Owned by Otley Town Council and managed by Wharfedale Naturalists, the reserve has a variety of habitats for birds, amphibians, butterflies and dragonflies. There is a large population of common toads, along with frogs and four species of newts. After a short walk from Otley town centre there will be a tour of the site led by one of the volunteers who look after the reserve. The well-maintained paths are level with a number of benches. Remember to bring something to drink. No dogs please. The aim is to return to Otley by 5pm.
Cost: Free. Booking: Required - limit on numbers (28)
Monday August 18
Biodiversity on Denton Reserve
4 miles 2.5 hrs walking Moderate Circular
Depart: 9.30 am
Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
Return travel to Yarnett House Farm will by minibus. From there, Nick Bailey, one of the owners of the Denton Reserve, will lead a walk around the reserve to places that are gradually being repurposed for biodiversity and carbon capture. He will take us to new areas not covered on previous walks, giving an update on developments as well as sharing his future plans. Remember to bring enough to drink and wear suitable footwear and clothing. Some of the walking will be on rough ground. There may be some stiles. No dogs please. The aim is to return to Burley for around 1pm.
Cost: £4.00 for return minibus transport from Burley to Denton. Pay in cash on the minibus
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Monday August 18
Acrecliffe Farm Equestrian Centre – a national centre of excellence
3.8 miles 2 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 2pm
Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
This is a pleasant walk to the family-run equestrian centre of Acrecliffe Farm on the outskirts of Otley, going along the old railway line, field paths and tracks. Fiona Everall, the owner, will take us on a tour of the centre, sharing information about its range of activities. The centre is of national importance for its high standard of coaching work undertaken for the British Horse Society. Visitors come from all over the world. The centre also contributes to Riding for the Disabled and the Changing Lives Through Horses programme. The walk has two stiles. Remember to bring something to drink. No dogs please. The aim is to return to Burley by 5pm.
Cost: Free.
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Tuesday August 19
The development of Ilkley from village to spa resort
2.5 miles 2 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 10am Meet at: Ilkley Bus Station
Ilkley was transformed from a quiet village to a rapidly expanding spa resort in the 10 years from 1861 to 1871, with a population increase of over 140%. Alex Cockshott from Ilkley Civic Society will lead the walk. She will chart these rapid changes by visiting key sites and buildings in the centre of town and nearby areas, starting with the railway station and finishing up at the site of the Roman fort. This will be a fascinating insight into the social and economic history of the town. The route is mostly level with some gentle inclines. Please bring a drink. We aim to finish by midday.
Cost: Free
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Tuesday August 19
Geology and Botany on Otley Chevin
4 miles 2.5 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 1.30 pm
Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
The Chevin is a prominent local landmark, its steep wooded slopes dominating the Otley skyline. Minibus transport will take us to the start of the walk at East Chevin Quarry car park. Ian Brand, President of Wharfedale Naturalists will lead the walk. His exploration starts 350 million years ago and brings us right up to the present day. Both the rocks and plants found enroute all have fascinating stories to tell. There is one short steep section, otherwise the walk will be on tracks and forest paths, some of which may be muddy. Remember to bring a drink and snack and wear suitable footwear. No dogs please. The aim is to be back in Burley for around 5pm.
Cost: £3.00 for return minibus transport. Pay in cash on the bus.
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (20)
Wednesday August 20
4 Moors Circuit
16 miles 8 hrs walking Strenuous Circular
Depart: 9am
Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
The West Yorks branch of the Long Distance Walkers Association will lead this high-level walk. The route will include Burley Moor, Ilkley Moor, Addingham High Moor and Rombalds Moor. Remember to bring sufficient drink, snacks and a picnic lunch. You should also have appropriate footwear and outerwear and be prepared for what is a challenging high-level walk with some uneven moorland paths.
Cost: Free
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Wednesday August 20
Burley’s railways
5.5 miles 3 hrs walking Easy to Moderate Circular
Depart: 9.30 am
Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
This year’s railway walk will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of modern rail travel with the opening of the Stockton and Darlington railway, followed in 1865 by the arrival of the railway in Burley in Wharfedale. The circular walk around the edge of the village looks at some interesting features including the site of Burley’s lost railway. Part of the walk will be through fields where dogs must be kept on a lead. There may be a stile on the route. More detailed information about the route will be available at the time of booking. Remember to bring drinks and snacks. The aim is to be back in the village by 12.30pm.
Cost: Free
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Wednesday August 20
Bronze Age Burley
4 miles 3.5 hrs walking Moderate Circular
Depart: 1.30 pm Meet at: Burley Woodhead Village Green, top of Moor Lane
This is a walk to the higher-level archaeological sites on Burley Moor, including Little and Great Skirtful of Stones and the Grub Stones ring cairn. The route may vary according to weather conditions. There are some steep gradients and rough walking away from the footpath. Please make sure you have suitable footwear and clothing with enough to drink. The aim is to end the walk by 5pm with refreshments at the Hermit Inn, where we will have chance to examine artefacts collected from sites across Burley Moor. No dogs please.
Cost: Free – bring money for refreshments.
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Thursday August 21
Harewood long walk
9.6 miles 5 hrs walking Moderate / Strenuous Circular
Depart: 9.30 am Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
After arriving in Harewood village by minibus the walk follows the Ebor Way alongside the River Wharfe to reach the Leeds Country Way, passing through the gentle pastoral landscape of Lower Wharfedale. The final part of the walk is through the woodland and meadows of the Harewood Estate. Remember to bring drinks and a picnic lunch. The aim is to finish the walk at the Muddy Boots café in Harewood village at around 3pm.
Cost: £8.00 for return minibus transport. Pay cash on the minibus.
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (14)
Thursday August 21
Harewood short walk
4.7 miles 3 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 9.30 am Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
This is a lovely walk around the perimeter of the Harewood Estate with views of the House and the deer park, following good paths and tracks throughout. The route is mostly level but with some gentle gradients. Remember to bring drinks and snacks. At the end of the walk there will be chance to get refreshments at a venue in Harewood village. The aim is to return to Burley by around 2pm.
Cost: £8.00 towards cost of minibus hire. Pay cash on the day.
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (14)
Friday August 22
Reservoirs and Upper Mills Walk
6 miles 3 hrs walking Moderate circular
Depart: 9.30 am Meet at: Burley Woodhead Village Green, top of Moor Lane
This walk will visit the natural water catchment area on Burley Moor including three reservoirs. There will be a chance to learn something about why and how these were constructed. Leaving the moor, we will follow Carr Beck down to the sites of Burley Woodhead’s four early water-powered textile mills where we will hear about their impact on the local economy and environment. The walk will finish at Bleach Mill around 12.30 pm where drinks will be on offer.
There will be a climb up to the moor and paths will be rocky and uneven in places. Suitable footwear is needed. There are several stone squeeze stiles. Remember to bring water and snacks for the walk.
Cost: Free
Booking: Required - limit on numbers (28)
Friday August 22
Tales from a Head Teacher
4 miles 2 hours walking Easy Circular
Depart: 1.45 pm
Meet at: Roundhouse, Grange Park
This circular walk is to the former Licensed Victuallers School in Ben Rhydding, now forming part of the Audley Clevedon retirement village. Malcolm Bland, former Head Teacher at the school, will share some of his fascinating insights and experiences from teaching and running the school, as well as the history of the site. Tea, coffee, scones and cakes will be available. The walk will be on field paths and tracks and may be muddy in places. There are no stiles. We aim to be back in Burley at about 5.30 pm
No dogs please.
Cost: Free - bring money for drinks and refreshments
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Friday August 22
Night walk over Burley and Ilkley Moors
5 miles 3 hrs walking Strenuous Circular
Depart: 7.30 pm
Meet at: Burley Woodhead Village Green, top of Moor Lane.
This is a high-level circular walk onto Burley and Ilkley Moors, visiting the Twelve Apostles stone circle. On a clear night there should be extensive night-time views over Wharfedale and Airedale. The route will include rough moor paths and may be altered in poor weather or bad ground conditions. Adequate footwear, warm clothing, snacks and a drink are essential as well as a working torch or head torch with spare batteries. The aim is to return to the Hermit for refreshments by 10.30pm. The minimum age limit is 18. No dogs please.
Cost: Free - bring money for refreshments.
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Saturday August 23
Upland farming in Wharfedale
5.3 miles 3.5 hrs walking Moderate Circular
Depart: 10am
Meet at: Ilkley Bus Station
The walk will visit West Moor House farm, the upland farm run by Rob and Penny Paisley and includes a guided tour. The farm specialises in rearing pedigree beef Shorthorn cattle and pure bred Swaledale sheep along with rare breed Greyface Dartmoor and Welsh Badger Face sheep. The outward 3-mile route will climb up from Ilkley along paths, lanes and tracks, passing Myddleton Lodge to the farm on the edge of Middleton Moor. We will spend about two and a half hours at the farm including a lunch break (indoor picnic space is available). The return 2-mile route to Ilkley is along lanes and footpaths. The aim to be back in Ilkley by about 4pm. Bring a picnic lunch and drinks and wear suitable footwear and clothing. There are some stiles. No dogs please.
Cost: Free
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Saturday August 23
A history stroll through Stead
4.7 miles 3 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 2pm
Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
The ancient hamlet of Stead has a long and fascinating history. The walk will explore cobbled tracks and pass the site of the long-demolished Stead Hall, once linked to the Knights Templar. We will learn something of the more recent history from Stead resident Jean Fearnley. Jean will also provide refreshments from her farmyard refreshment cabin. There is one stile and one gentle ascent. Remember to wear suitable footwear. We aim to be back in Burley by 5pm.
Cost: Free – bring money for drinks and snacks
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (28)
Sunday August 24
Sun Lane Nature Reserve – biodiversity hot spot
1 mile 2 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 10am
Meet at: Main entrance to Sun Lane Nature Reserve
On the site of the old village tip, Sun Lane is now a wonderful Local Nature Reserve at the western end of the village, one of only three with this status in Bradford District. Led jointly by Peter and Ann Riley the walk will introduce the wide variety of flowers and wildlife now established on the Reserve. Peter will highlight its importance for biodiversity and the need to carefully protect and nurture it as a unique wildlife resource for the future. Ann will be looking out for bees and bugs, sharing her extensive knowledge of these and other small creatures that live on the reserve. No dogs please.
Cost: Free
Booking: Not required – just turn up.
Sunday August 25
End of Festival Walk to the River Wharfe - accessible for all
2 (or 3) miles 1.5 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 2.00 pm
Meet at: The Roundhouse, Grange Park
This is an accessible walk to mark the end of the festival walking programme, starting along
Main Street then down Leatherbank to the Weir and stepping stones. The route then
follows the Goit, rich in wildlife, before going up the recently created path to Great Pasture.
More accessible paths lead us back to the village. Those wanting to go a little further have
the option of continuing on a narrower and sometimes rough riverside path before
returning along Otley Old Road. Refreshments will be available at the Library with proceeds
going to the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Cost: Free – bring money for refreshments.
Booking: Not required – just turn up.
Saturday September 6
The Bradford Faith Trail
3 miles 1.5 hrs walking Easy Circular
Depart: 8.30am from Burley by train, or meet at 10am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Bradford
Meet at: Burley railway station or St. Peter’s Church
Ever wondered what’s in a church, masjid, mandir or gurdwara? The Bradford Faith Trail offers a unique opportunity to discover a little bit about Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Christian (Roman Catholic and Church of England) faith buildings, about the faiths within and how they link into Bradford’s local community culture and faith heritage. We will be shown round each place of worship by experienced guides who will also answer questions. Visitors are asked to wear modest clothing and remove shoes at the masjid, temple and gurdwara. A headscarf is needed at the gurdwara – either your own or you can borrow one. A langar (vegetarian lunch) is provided by members of the Sikh community. The walk from Forster Square Station to the start of the Trail at St. Peter’s church involves a gentle climb up Leeds Road. The trail itself is approximately a mile in length and finishes at Bradford Cathedral at approximately 3.45pm. More details can be found at www.bradfordcathedral.org.uk/faith-trail
Cost: Free – but donations can be made at the Gurdwara towards the cost of the lunch.
Booking: Required – limit on numbers (20)