FRIDAY evening local walks - mostly in Aireborough - start this week.

Organised by Aireborough Civic Society, this year's programme will continue every fortnight on Friday evenings throughout spring and summer, finishing on August 30.

Chair of the Civic Society Clive Woods said: “This is a great opportunity to get to know some of the most attractive parts of our area, enjoy the spring and summer evenings in our countryside and get some healthy exercise!

"The first walk is ideal for any concerned about the length of our walks – as it is a short walk and isn’t hilly. It is an ideal introduction to the variety of landscape we are fortunate to have in Aireborough.

"New faces are especially welcome."

The first three walks this year are:

Friday, April 12, 6pm 'A Shortish, Flattish, Local Walk'. Meet lat the ayby opposite Sainsbury’s on Queensway, Yeadon.

Friday, April 26, 6pm 'Rawdon Ramble. Meet at Rawdon Library car park (an original ACS walk with some hills).

Friday, May 10, 6pm 'Guiseley and Menston'. Meet at Parkinson’s Clock, Netherfield Road.

The free Friday evening walks were started in 1993 by the late Albert Shutt, then chairman of the Aireborough Civic Society. His plan was to explore the Aireborough area, visiting places even local residents hadn’t been to, and ensuring footpaths were kept in use.

Unless stated the walks are normally between three and four miles in length. The pace is as fast as the slowest walker.

As the walks cover a variety of terrain, sturdy footwear is strongly advised, along with weatherproof clothing. Most of the walks involve gradients, hills and stiles.

Clive added: "If you have any questions about a particular walk please contact the walk leader at the telephone number given on our website."

The Civic Society holds its normal meetings and talks on the last Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in Rawdon Community Library, Micklefield Park, Rawdon.

The next is on Tuesday, April 30 and will be a talk by Neil Hanson entitled 'My Life at Inn at the Top'. Neil will speak about his experiences as landlord of the highest inn in Yorkshire.

The next community meeting is on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 and it will be an update on and discussion of issues of local interest.

Everyone is welcome.

Visit www.aireboroughcivicsociety.org.uk for more information.