A NEW group has been formed to support the planned Wharfedale Greenway, a planned route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders that will link towns along the River Wharfe.

The Friends of Wharfedale Greenway aims to raise awareness of the Greenway whilst working with communities along the route to get the most out of this new asset.

A Facebook page - www.facebook.com/FriendsofWharfedaleGreenway - was set up at the start of the month has already had over 300 likes.

The page is being regularly updated with information about the proposed route alongside interesting trivia and history.

Anyone who’d like to know more about the group or get involved with their planning is invited to attend an open meeting on Zoom on Wednesday, April 21 at 7.30pm.

The direct link can be found on their Facebook page, or you can join using the following information: Meeting ID: 872 6352 4268, Passcode: 339507. If you can’t make the meeting but would be interested in getting involved email friendsofwharfedalegreenway@gmail.com

One of the organisers, Antony Butcher, said: “It’s been amazing to see how much interest and support there is for this project all the way along the route.

“The Greenway could be such a valuable resource for us all - from attracting new tourists to our lovely towns and villages to helping people get around safely whilst leaving the car at home.

“I’m looking forward to working with other supporters and local Councils to help make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”

The proposed Wharfedale Greenway has been under discussion for many years, but a number of milestones have taken place recently.

Planning permission for the first section out of Otley was granted in July last year, and the route features in Bradford Council’s recently published Local Development Plan.

The proposed route has been split into different phases, initially focusing on the section from Pool-in-Wharfedale to Addingham (although it is hoped the route will eventually run all the way to Wetherby and Bolton Abbey).

Town and Parish Councils along the route have been working with Sustrans, who run the National Cycle Network, on the route through their area.

The photographs shown her are of the route of the proposed Wharfedale Greenway between Otley and Burley in Wharfedale along the Otley and Ilkley railway line. Photo credit: Antony Butcher