A NEW series of ‘Welcome Walks’ is being launched across the Keighley district.

The walks are organised by regeneration programme Keighley Big Local and led by community worker Muppet.

“They are open to everyone and always very popular,” said Shaun O’Hare, for Keighley Big Local.

"The idea for the walks originally came about from a conversation with Keighley Salvation Army.

"They were organised as a means of introducing folk – young and old, long-standing residents and those new to Keighley – to the town's green spaces, heritage and people."

The opening walk, covering a four-mile route between Keighley and Bingley, takes place on Tuesday (July 19).

It will take in Park Wood, and follow the River Aire into Bingley.

People should note it is a linear walk, so they will need to make arrangements for their return.

Meet at Keighley railway station at 6pm.

Next up is a Silsden circular, on Tuesday, July 26.

It will follow a route of four and a quarter miles taking in the canal towpath, former Silsden golf course and Swartha Woods.

People should meet at the Silsden canal bridge at 5.45pm. Anyone wishing to travel to the start by public transport from Keighley bus station can catch the 5.30pm 62 service to Ilkley, and get off at the bridge.

On August 2, there is a Morton circular, of four and a half miles.

Muppet says: "The route takes the path alongside Morton Beck to the village and we then follow a series of tracks and footpaths through fields, with panoramic views of the Aire valley.

"We will then head down the ancient byway of Bury Lane and onto Swine Lane, walking back to Morton bridge along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath. Caution is needed as it can be slippery when wet and there are sections where the paths are overgrown. A walking pole or stick would help with this walk."

Participants should meet at the Morton Lane swing bridge at 6pm.

The final walk – on Tuesday, August 9 – is a circular from Keighley railway station, following a route of six and a half miles.

Muppet says: "The walk takes in Park Wood as well as the meadows above the Aire and Worth valley which enjoy some fantastic, panoramic views.

"After visiting Lady Blantyre’s Rock and the Ferrand’s Monument we will cross Harden Moor and follow a series of farm tracks, before dropping down to Long Lee and then heading through Park Wood again and back to the railway station. Be aware, the first couple of miles involve a series of steady climbs!"

People should meet at the railway station at 5.30pm.