Otley Walking Festival
June 22nd to June 30th 2019

Otley Walking Festival 2019 has just celebrated nine days’ glorious walking with its Festival Finale on Sunday 30 June.

“We’ve had a fantastic week – and it’s gone from strength to strength. Word about Otley Walking Festival has certainly spread because we’ve had folk coming from all over the country – even from afar as Tenerife!  Feedback has been very positive with lots of praise for the variety of walks and evening entertainment.in Otley Walking Festival’s programme. The warmth of our Otley welcome has been specially noted.” (Ruth Blackwell)   

With 55 walks and events over the nine days of Otley Walking Festival, there really has been something for everyone. Catering for all ages and abilities - short town-based walks, waterside walks, strenuous moor land hikes.  For the cultured folk of Otley – and beyond - this Festival wasn’t all about boots, sweat and tears!

Many walks had a local theme: to give a flavour of what was on offer during the second half of the Festival,  walkers were able to step out on the Otley Four League Walk, identify rare trees growing in Otley, find out about railway pioneers, try out Nordic walking, follow the judging route for Otley’s Britain in Bloom entry, follow the Chevin’s historical trail, enjoy an afternoon tea stroll, locate and admire the Tree of Life stone, party with the Otley Ukulele Orchestra, stroll on the Chevin and picnic with delicious food from Otley’s Farmers’ Market – and more!   It was a fantastically varied programme of daytime walks to suit all abilities and interests – and a wide selection of events every evening.  Never a dull moment!

Thanks go to the great team of walk leaders who give their time and expertise voluntarily for the Festival. Thanks also to our main financial sponsors:  Bondgate Bakery, Leeds City Council, Otley Town Council, and Yorkshire Water; and thanks to   to all the companies and local businesses who donated prizes for the superb raffle. Planning for next year’s Walking Festival starts in October – anyone interested in leading a walk, putting on an event, or helping with the organisation contact Ruth Blackwell (Chair, Otley Walking Festival Organising Committee) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the Festival Office on 07564 625129.