GUIDED and themed walks proved to be a popular part of the Burley-in-Wharfedale Summer Festival this year.

More than 300 walk places were filled on the varied programme of 14 walks that also saw a return to visiting indoor destinations following the easing of restrictions imposed by the pandemic over the past two years. The most popular walks were the visits to Weston Stone Garden, a tranquil treasure trove of stone sculptures and structures developed over many years by art collector Ronnie Duncan, and to historic Weston Hall. Hosts, Christopher and Mary Dawson, showed the group around the Church, the Hall and garden including the unique Elizabethan freestanding Banqueting Hall, one of the best examples in the country. Another full booked walk was the Archaeological walk on the lower slopes of Burley Moor led by Bronze Age expert Dr Keith Boughey. Dr Boughey has the rare distinction of being invited back every year for the past five festivals to lead visits to Burley’s Bronze Age sites due to their popularity.

David Asher, Chair of the Burley in Wharfedale Walkers are Welcome group which organised the walks programme, said: "We had a superb turn out, far exceeding the number of walkers last year and with many people walking with us for the first time. As usual, we had a very varied programme, with long walks on offer such as to the Washburn Valley and Thruscross Reservoir along the recently opened Yorkshire Heritage Way trail, and a walk to Hawksworth village for an entertaining talk from local historian Hazel Goodwin. Newly created shorter walks around the village also proved a hit such as the Village History walk and the Burley Trees walk. Thanks to walk leader Bruce Brown, the group also now feels confident that there are enough interesting trees around the centre of the village to warrant creating a more permanent Tree Trail for Burley!"

Walkers also returned to Marton Mills, a working textile mill in Pool-in-Wharfedale, where they had a comprehensive tour and informative talk by Chairman Duncan Watts. Another local business visited was Ilkley Brewery, where marketing manager Marco Cilenti showed the group the full brewing process with opportunity to taste several beers currently on offer. Other walks included a tour around Otley Wetlands Nature Reserve, a visit to High Royds Memorial Chapel and Garden, and a history walk around the ancient township of Stead. The walking programme ended with a celebratory walk to Bleach Mill, Burley Woodhead for afternoon tea provided by Sue and Simon Richmond.

David Asher added: "Thanks are due to all the walk leaders, hosts and guest speakers who made the Burley Festival walks programme such a success this year. Planning for 2023 starts shortly and we always welcome new ideas for walks and visits, so please let us know of any suggestions. We also warmly invite anyone interested in walking locally to come to our AGM on Tuesday 20 September at Burley Library starting at 7.30pm. Our speaker this year will be Colin Speakman, founder of the Dales Way and prolific author of walking books and books about Yorkshire. His talk will draw on his recent publication ‘Yorkshire, Ancient Kingdom, Future Province’. Our guided walks, normally three a month, have also re-started in September after a summer break. To find out more, get in touch via burleywalkersarewelcome@gmail.com"