Otley Walking Festival 2026

This long running walking festival is now in its 25th edition! This year there will be almost 50 different walks on offer. Like our own Bingley Celebration of Walking, it is entirely ran by volunteers and like us, Otley is part of the Walkers are Welcome town network. So with so much in common, we are very delighted to be part of the adventure this year by offering to lead a walk for the festival. And as it turns out, it’s not uncommon for the Otley Festival to offer walks outside of the town boundaries. The entire Walking Festival runs from Saturday 27th June to Sunday 5th July 2026, we will have our walk on Saturday 4th July – check the programme.

Did you know The Welcome Way is a 36 mile circular walk in West Yorkshire connecting the communities of Baildon, Bingley, Burley-in-Wharfedale and Otley? During the Otley Walking Festival, you will have the opportunity to discover this long distance walk in four different sections:

• Otley to Denton Bridge (27th June 2026)
• Burley-in-Wharfedale to Bingley (28th June 2026)
• The Bingley Loop (4th July 2026)
• Baildon to Otley (5th July 2026)

On the Welcome Way Bingley Loop you will have a chance to enjoy views and wildlife by the Leeds and Liverpool canal and river Aire, see a site of special scientific interest, several Grade 1 listed constructions and ancient woodlands.

Meet John at 10.15am at Bingley Railway Station. We expect the walk to last for about 5 hours including breaks. Expect to be back in Bingley for 3 pm.

Bring the following with you:

• Please do bring a packed lunch.
• any medication you might need, including plasters;
• hand sanitiser;
• water bottle, flask and any snacks.

Note: many paths will be stony or muddy so please wear walking shoes or boots with non-slip soles.

• Whilst leaders take every care, your comfort and safety are your own responsibility.
• We ask participants to complete a contact form before the walk with emergency and medication details, carried in their rucksack for use in emergencies.
• The pace of the walk is appropriate to the distance and the available time. We ask that walkers accept the pace set.
• Under-18 year old people to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed on this walk due to livestock in fields.

Please note: if you are coming from Otley, a car sharing system will be organised. Meet Walkers are Welcome (Bingley and Otley), for car sharing at Wharfemeadows car park, off Farnley Lane, Otley, LS21 2BD. Depart 9.30am.