OTLEY Walking Festival has got off to a "fantastic" start.

The nine-day, 2016 event got underway on Saturday, with the launch of the Welcome Way.

The new 28-mile route was devised by Walkers are Welcome groups in Otley, Burley-in-Whafedale, Baildon and Bingley.

Nearly 40 walkers gathered at Otley All Saints Parish Church on Saturday morning to try the first section.

Patron of the Walkers are Welcome Towns Network, Kate Ashbrook, who is also general secretary of the Open Spaces Society and the Ramblers' president, declared the walk open.

She said: "It was an honour and a delight to launch the Welcome Way at the start of the Otley Walking Festival.

"I much enjoyed the nine-mile walk along the stretch between Otley and Ben Rhydding in beautiful countryside, with exquisite views of Wharfedale.

"I certainly received a warm welcome!"

John Sparshatt, from Walkers are Welcome Otley, added: "The launch went absolutely brilliantly and Kate Ashbrook was spot on – it was a pleasure to have her up here.

"We had 38 people on the first section, which was really great, and enjoyed a good day with fine weather."

Other treks have proved popular, too, to the delight of festival chairman, Ruth Blackwell.

She said: "We’ve had a fantastic start – all five walks on offer on the first day were enthusiastically taken up, and it’s gone from strength to strength.

"Word about the festival has certainly spread because we’ve got folk coming from all over the country. Feedback so far has been very positive."

Some 53 walks and related activities were lined up this year, with many still to run before the festival ends, with a grand finale at the Manor Pub in Otley on Sunday.

Visit chevintrek.co.uk or otleywalkingfestival.co.uk for more details.