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Walkers are Welcome

Otley

Welcome to our website - Your walks start here!

Who we are
Walkers are Welcome is a nationwide campaign. It was launched in 2006, aiming to make towns across the UK welcoming to walkers and to boost local businesses. Otley, in West Yorkshire, was accredited as a Walkers are Welcome town in September 2008.

Our Aims
to further promote Otley as a really attractive destination for walkers;
to offer visitors waymarked and superbly documented walks starting and finishing in Otley;
to provide a variety of walks to suit walkers with different interests and aspirations;
to encourage the use of public transport to and from Otley and within Wharfedale.

Our Town
Our charming historic market town, 10 miles northwest of Leeds, nestles below the forested Chevin ridge at one of the oldest crossing points on the river Wharfe.

Before and after your walk stroll around the quaint streets and ginnels, visit the street markets and shops, and relax in one of our many pubs, cafes and restaurants. Find out more at the tourist information desk at our local library, and enjoy entertainment and facilities at the Otley Courthouse arts and resource centre.

Our Walking Opportunities
Since our beginning as a Walkers are Welcome town in September 2008
we have developed and launched two superb initiatives providing
opportunities for walkers at all levels of ability:
Otley Four Walks -
A leaflet containing four walks of between 2 and 6.5 miles all starting
and finishing at the Jubilee Clock in Otley’s Market Square. These
can be purchased by email or from local shops. see next page for details

Six Dales Trail -
A thirty-eight mile route from Otley to Middleham, traversing
the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including
six unique dales each with its own distinct character. A forty-
five page book has been published to accompany this walk.
click Six Dales Trail pages for details

Other walking opportunities in Otley include:
Otley Walkers -
A community based walking group offering weekly walks in West and North Yorkshire.
click Otley Walkers page for details
Annual Walking Festival -
Held in late June - go to www.chevintrek.co.uk for details
Otley Short Walks -
Led by volunteers as part of the Walking the Way to Health Initiative. The group
meets weekly for walks of between 50 minutes and 1.5 hours.
contact sheila_towning@hotmail.com for further details