A PROGRAMME of free local walks organised by Aireborough Civic Society starts on Friday, May 12 and continues throughout the spring and summer.

The Friday evening walks were started in 1993 by the late Albert Shutt, then Chairman of the Aireborough Civic Society. His plan was to explore the Aireborough area, visiting places even local residents hadn’t been to, and ensuring footpaths were kept in use.

Unless stated the walks are normally between three and four miles in length. The pace is as fast as the slowest walker.

As the walks cover a variety of terrain, sturdy footwear is strongly advised, along with weatherproof clothing. Most of the walks involve gradients, hills and stiles.

Chair of Aireborough Civic Society, Clive Woods said: "This is a great opportunity to get to know some of the most attractive parts of our area and enjoy the Spring and Summer evenings in our countryside.

"New faces are especially welcome."

The walk this Friday (May 12) will be in the countryside of Guiseley and Menston. Meet at 6pm prompt at Parkinson’s Clock in Netherfield Road Car Park.

The next four Friday evening walks are as follows:

  • Friday, May 26, 6.30pm, “Yeadon History Talk and Walk”, meet at Town Hall, Yeadon.
  • Friday, June 9, 6.30pm “Old Railway Track Wander”, meet Bridge (Licks) Car Park, Otley ( this will be a five mile walk).
  • Friday, June 23, 6.30pm, “ The Slabbering Baby", meet at layby opposite Adel Church.
  • Friday, July 7, 6.30pm “ Esholt Escapade”, meet at Rawdon Library.

If you have any questions about a particular walk contact the walk leader at the telephone number given on the Aireborough Civic Society website.

The Civic Society holds its normal meetings and talks on the last Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in Rawdon Community Library, Micklefield Park, Rawdon. The next is a Community Meeting on Tuesday, May 30.

Then on Tuesday, June 27 Eric Jackson, retired magistrate and local historian, talks about The History of English Canals from 1759 to the present day, how canals were built, their original purpose and how they are used today.

Everyone is welcome.

The Society’s website is at http://www.aireboroughcivicsociety.org.uk/ and includes details of all this year’s walks, forthcoming ACS events and information about the area.