WELCOME Walks will continue through the summer in Keighley following the success of the first set.

The three spring walks were aimed at people new to the town so they could learn about the beautiful countryside on the doorstep.

Organisers have now arranged three more walks encompassing Riddlesden, West Morton and Bingley including the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

The walks are organised by Aire Valley Wanderers with support from regeneration group Keighley Big Local.

Big Local coordinator Shaun O’Hare said: “We had a brilliant response to the first walks so we’ve taken the decision to continue them through the summer months.

"If you are new to Keighley join us for a series of walks and discover your new home. If you know Keighley inside out, join us and share your knowledge!"

The walks are led by Muppett, the former Community Development Worker for Keighley East and a keen walker.

All the walks begin in the Keighley Big Local area, which covers neighbourhoods in the valley of the lower River Worth, and head into the surrounding countryside.

Shaun added: “It was great to see the Welcome Walks so well received by residents old and new.

“The walks are organised and led through a great voluntary effort, drawing on the local knowledge of residents and members of the Aire Valley Wanderers.

“We are hoping where possible to link the walking routes with organised activity in the area, showcasing what folk are doing and providing moral support to those involved.”

All the walks are Wednesdays and set off at 6pm from the canal swing bridge on Bar Lane.

A Riddlesden circular walk will be on July 3, with a route of almost four miles along the canal towpath onto the former Riddlesden golf course, now a scout camp where several thousand saplings were planted overwinter months.

Due to steep gradients a walking pole is advisable.

A three-mile Riddlesden circular will be of July 10, walking on the hillside above Keighley with panoramic views of the Aire Valley.

The last part of the walk goes down through a series of steeps tickets, and again a walking pole is advisable.

The final walk, on July 17, will go from Riddlesden to Bingley via the canal towpath for about four miles, passing both the five and three rise locks.

People are advised to take a bus fare pass to get back home.