Otley walker's book follows in the footsteps of his hero (From Ilkley Gazette)

Otley walker's book follows in the footsteps of his hero

10:00am Monday 29th October 2012 in Local news By Jim Jack

A keen walker from Otley has written a new book about some of Yorkshire’s finest treks.

As the founder of the Wainwright Society and a regular contributor to Cumbria and Dalesman magazines, John Burland is usually associated with the fells of the Lake District.

But he has sought inspiration closer to home for his new work, Best Walks in the Yorkshire Dales, which has been two years in the making.

Mr Burland, a stalwart of Otley Methodist Church, walked each of the 32 routes contained in the book, which vary from four-mile to 12-mile treks and span six dales, including Wharfedale, Airedale and Nidderdale.

Referring to the title, he said: “I’m aware that while some people will agree with my choices, others may disagree and think walks they may have completed in these areas are better.

“To term anything ‘best’ is always subjective, and while we all have our own opinions on what is ‘the best’, it would indeed be a sad world if everyone agreed on everything.

“The weather conditions, time of year and many other factors may affect one person’s opinion compared to another’s, but I have tried to pick out what I think are some of the finest areas in which to walk.”

The book is due to be published in March by Frances Lincoln, publishers of the walking guidebooks by Mr Burland’s hero, the late Alfred Wainwright.

While walking and recording each of the routes, which are graded as easy, moderate or serious, he also amassed a wealth of historical and other local information, which is included in the finished work.

He said: “It has been a thrill to put this book together so others may enjoy the beauties the Yorkshire Dales have to offer.”