THE FIFTEENTH Otley Walking Festival has got off to a cracking start - with record numbers taking part.

This year's nine-day event started on Saturday, June 27 and will feature more than 50 walks and related activities.

'Best ever' numbers have been recorded for all of the treks to date, including the popular Four Pubs Walk on Saturday, which attracted 46 thirsty participants.

The festival's organising committee chairman, Ruth Blackwell, said: "We knew the festival was popular but we've never known anything like this before!

"Record numbers have been recorded for all the walks so far, but for the cultured folk of Otley this festival isn't all about boots, sweat and tears - there's a full programme of lively entertaining evening events, too.

"Our evening programme kicked off on Saturday with a visit to Farnley Hall.

"Then on Sunday the ever popular Otley Ukulele Orchestra led a lively crowd on a musical pub tour, while Monday evening saw the return of the Saunter with the Strolling Minstrels, going on another magical mystery tour."

The festival programme includes everything from gentle, informative town strolls to family walks and strenuous moorland hikes.

After such a strong start Ruth is confident of high numbers for all the remaining attractions, too.

She said: "There really is something for for all ages and abilities and those taking part can expect a warm welcome from our team of volunteer walk leaders and a chance to enjoy the wonderful Wharfedale countryside."

Walks still to come include a Horsforth to Otley trek on Thursday, July 2; The Trail of the Hungry Caterpillars at Grove Hill Park, Otley, on Friday, July 3; and Cakes and Ale IV, starting from Otley, on Saturday, July 4.

Programmes are available at local shops, libraries, and tourist information centres and can also be viewed online at www.otleywalkingfestival.co.uk

The festival will conclude on Sunday, July 5, when a grand finale will be held at The Manor pub from 3.30pm.