Welcome Way | Saturday 1 May 2021


Walk Leader: Lynn Hathaway
Participants: 8
Mileage: 29 miles
Ascent: 4,100 ft
Walk Report: Robert Cope


The Welcome Way is a long distance circular path in West Yorkshire. It was originally created as a collaboration between three nationally accredited “Walkers are Welcome” (WAW) communities of Otley, Burley in Wharfedale and Baildon.  A longer, 38 mile version was subsequently devised to incorporate Guiseley, a fourth nationally accredited WAW community.

Thankfully, for some of us at least, we chose a shortened (!) 29 mile version on this occasion, setting off from the Surprise View car park on The Chevin.  Our anti-clockwise route passed through (or close to): Otley, Clifton, Askwith, Denton, Ben Rhydding, Burley in Wharfedale, Burley Woodhead, Baildon, Esholt, Spring Wood and Guiseley.  The second half of the route proved to be the more challenging, with traverses of both Burley Moor and Baildon Moor but finishing with a relatively benign ascent back to The Chevin.  

The terrain was varied but always interesting and often spectacular - and apart from a short hailstorm we managed to duck virtually all the rain that at times had threatened or preceded us. 

A terrific day’s outing with very good company and expertly navigated throughout.

Photos by Robert Cope

Photos by Tony Jenner