WALKERS from across the region will be making a beeline for Otley during the next fortnight.

The 2016 Otley Walking Festival gets underway on Saturday, and will feature more than 50 treks and related activities over nine days.

One of the highlights of this year's festival will be the launch of the North West Leeds Green Gateway Trail, which runs from Wednesday to July 1.

Led by Ryk Downes and Stuart Fildes, the trail has been designed to give great views of the countryside around Otley, Horsforth and Golden Acre Park.

Its second day, will see walkers passing through the historic Kirkstall forge, where they can enjoy an exclusive tour of the site.

Mr Fildes, the festival's treasurer, said: "Appreciation for Yorkshire’s countryside has seen something of a resurgence in recent years, and the Otley Walking Festival is another way to take it in."

Festival chairman, Ruth Blackwell, added: "With 53 walks and events over the nine days there really is something for everyone this year.

"Returning by popular demand are many town-based evening events – Follow The Strings with the always lively Otley Ukulele Orchestra, Walking with Wine, the unbelievable Despicable Liars, Otley in Bloom, Wayzgoose Weave and the Allotment Walk."

Visit otleywalkingfestival.co.uk or chevintrek.co.uk to view the festival programme.