Record numbers for Burley Festival walks

Bees walk with Wharfedale Beekeepers Association (Image: submitted)

Numbers exceeded the previous busiest year, 2019, with 330 walkers on the 16 guided and themed walks being offered.

Archaeology walk on the upper slopes of Burley Moor (Image: submitted)

New walks with an historical theme this year included a William E. Forster walk, covering the life and influential political career of the mill owner and MP for Bradford for 25 years, who lived in Burley for well over three decades; long and short walks to the Washburn Heritage Centre where walkers were treated to lunch and a talk covering the history of the Washburn Valley; and a walk to Hawksworth to learn about the history of the village from local historian Hazel Goodwin. The history of Clevedon House School in Ben Rhydding, now forming part of the Audley Clevedon retirement village, was also explored by the last head teacher, Malcolm Bland.

Denton Park Estate walk with owner Nick Bailey (Image: submitted)

Walks on the North Yorkshire side of the river this year included a tour of the Denton Park Estate with owner Nick Bailey to learn about plans for rewilding and environmental improvements; a scenic section of the Yorkshire Heritage Way between Thruscross Reservoir and Brimham Rocks; a visit to the upland farm of Rob and Penny Paisley on Middleton Moor; and a walk to view Ronnie Duncan’s Stone Garden in Weston.

Clevedon House Preparatory School walk and talk with ex head teacher Malcolm Bland (Image: submitted)

David Asher, Chair of Burley Walkers are Welcome said: "We had a very busy Festival walking week again this year with a superb variety or walks, an excellent turn out of people from the village as well as further afield, and surprisingly good weather throughout.

Charlotte and David Steel's colourful garden on the Gardens Walk (Image: submitted)

"I’d particularly like to thank all the speakers and guides who assisted with making the walks so successful, including beekeepers from the Wharfedale Beekeepers Association, our garden and allotment hosts including David Allison, and Bronze Age archaeologist Dr Keith Boughey, who, although unable to lead a walk this year gave excellent support including the loan of precious tools and artefacts found on Burley Moor."

Sun Lane Nature Reserve walk with Peter and Anne Riley (Image: submitted)

David Asher added: "We will be celebrating our 10th birthday since becoming accredited as a Walkers are Welcome village next year. As well as continuing our work to promote, improve and maintain access to the footpath network on both sides of the river in Burley including providing three guided walks a month, we hope the 2024 Festival walking programme will mark our anniversary in style. Ideas and suggestions for making it a week to remember are warmly welcomed."

Weston Stone Garden walk with Ronnie Duncan (Image: submitted)

For more information about the work of the group contact burleywalkersarewelcome@gmail.com, or phone David on 07551 959494.