A WEEKEND of walks held across the Keighley area proved a huge success.

And organisers vow the event will return next year, with an even bigger programme.

Nine guided walks took place, with leaders drawn from social enterprise and charitable projects in the town.

Shaun O'Hare – of Keighley Big Local, which spearheaded the initiative – said the walks gave people the chance to explore more-hidden parts of the town and surrounding area.

He added: "People may be familiar with much of the area but this was an opportunity to step off the beaten track and explore places by foot, as well as meet people who are doing a lot of good in Keighley.

"There was a great variety of walks and associated activities on offer."

The programme included Hidden Stars of the River Worth, a 2.5-mile walk from Ingrow West Station to the confluence of the rivers Worth and Aire.

Walk leader, John Dallas, said: "We had a great group. We set off from Ingrow West Station at 10am but it took us until 2pm to reach the confluence at Marley because there was so much to see – kingfishers, dippers, grey wagtails, two peregrines, over 20 long-tailed tits, cormorant, egrets and mallards, all along the River Worth!"

Emma Gibson, of Missing Peace & Wellbeing Support CIC, led a wellbeing walk at Park Wood.

"It was a fabulous afternoon," she said.

"It’s lovely to get out in nature, make positive connections and chat with people.

"After yoga, mindfulness and some tree hugging whilst out on our walk, we finished with cuppas and cakes from the Wellbeing Lounge!"

The line up also included a World Rivers Day walk, organised by the Aire Rivers Trust and River Worth Friends.

Starting at Keighley Station, participants took a train ride to Oxenhope on the Worth Valley line.

They then walked back to Keighley, following routes close to Bridgehouse Beck and the River Worth.

Walk leader Sam Riley, from the Aire Rivers Trust, described it as "a great day".

Other walks included an 11-mile ramble, led by Muppett; a bat walk at Low Wood nature reserve, Riddlesden, with leader Ian Butterfield; a River Worth circular, led by Lee Senior, showcasing the industrial heritage of Keighley; a family photography walk, within the grounds of East Riddlesden Hall, headed by Lisa Holmes from Keighley Photo Hub; and an eight-mile walk further afield, in the Washburn Valley.