'NINE glorious days'.

That is how the organising committee has summed up the 2017 Otley Walking Festival.

This year's event started on June 24 and featured 48 treks or related activities - including evening attractions - between then and its conclusion on Sunday, July 2.

The walks have included everything from gentle, history, nature or arts-themed town strolls to full-scale hikes like the 38 mile, Middleham to Otley, Six Dales Trail.

Festival Chair Ruth Blackwell said: "We celebrated nine days of glorious walking with our Festival Finale, at the Manor House pub, on Sunday.

"We’ve had a fantastic week and it’s gone from strength to strength.

"Word about the festival has certainly spread because we’ve had folk coming from all over the country. "The weather’s been good on the whole and mostly, despite some showers, Wharfedale’s been able to showcase its finest views.

"The feedback we've received has been very positive with lots of praise for the variety of walks and evening entertainment.in the programme - and the warmth of our Otley welcome has been specially noted.

"There really has been something for everyone, catering for all ages and abilities.

"Many walks had a local theme: during the second half of the festival walkers visited local churches, followed the judging route for Otley’s Britain in Bloom entry, took part in the Chevin Forest Open Day, and learnt about local connections to the Civil War.

"They also found Cup and Ring markings on the moors and were entertained by Otley Ukulele Orchestra in a musical pub tour."

She added: "Thanks go to the great team of walk leaders who give their time and expertise voluntarily for the festival.

"Thanks also to our main financial sponsors - Bondgate Bakery, Leeds City Councillors, Otley Town Council and Otley Walkers, and to all the companies and local businesses who donated prizes for the superb raffle."

Planning for next year's festival begins in October - anyone interested in getting involved should contact Ruth by sending an e-mail to otleywalkingfestival@mail.com or calling 07564 625129 .