A WALKING group has enjoyed a 'smashing' trek through Wharfedale.

Members of the West Yorkshire Long Distant Walkers Association (LDWA) completed an 18 mile section of the Welcome Way on Saturday, July 9.

The route took in Otley and Otley Chevin, Clifton, Denton, Ben Rhydding, Burley-in-Wharfedale and Menston.

West Yorkshire LDWA Secretary Ralph Warman said: "A smashing Yorkshire walk from our own backyard.

"Part two in a fortnight's time – bring it on."

The Welcome Way was put together by the Walkers are Welcome communities of Otley, Burley, Baildon and Bingley.

John Sparshatt and Randal Metzger of Walkers are Welcome Burley and Otley respectively, who were on the steering committee which published the route, led the LDWA walk.

'Part two' will see the group take on another 18 mile trek, this time taking in Burley Moor, Weecher Reservoir, Baildon Moor, Baildon, Esholt, Green Botton and The Chevin.

A 52-page guidebook featuring maps and descriptions of each section of the Welcome Way is on sale at several outlets in Otley and from the website welcomeway.org.uk.

The circular route is waymarked throughout, has numerous access points along the way, and has been designed to take advantage of easily accessible bus and rail connections.