HUNDREDS of ramblers will pound Baildon's paths and bridleways when the town plays host to its second Walking Weekend which begins this Friday.

And the 11 guided walks promise something for everyone, from a one mile amble for the casual stroller, to a nine mile hike for the more determined strider.

Some walks involve a historical, health, or geological focus, some are particularly suitable for families, whilst others are designed for more energetic and experienced walkers.

The three-day free event has been organised by Baildon Town Council’s nationally-accredited Walkers are Welcome Group which hopes to build on the success of last year's inaugural weekend.

"Of course we're keeping our fingers crossed for good weather and that plenty of people will come and join us for walks and chats around Baildon's beautiful countryside," said Chris Flecknoe, one of the organisers.

"It's very much a social event, as one can always go out and have a walk in silence on your own and this year we have been able to get full training for the leaders of all the walks and we're very fortunate to have a good team of expert people to make sure people have a wonderful time.

"The walks will all take place whatever the weather and it should be a brilliant weekend."

An example of the walks on offer is the "Esholt Explorer and a Taste of Emmerdale "which is a four mile circular tour taking in the original Woolpack Pub and other notable buildings used in earlier episodes of the popular ITV drama.

There is also a "Health Walk" to Ferniehurst Dell and the Peace Garden sculpture park which is a gentle 1.5 miles.

An historic walk over Baildon Moor with its ancient stone carvings takes three miles; and a separate route around the moor and Shipley Glen is listed as a six mile circular walk.

All the walks are free and start from the famous Potted Meat Stick memorial by the town centre's Ian Clough car park. The first is the "Esholt Explorer and Taste of Emmerdale" setting off at 10.30am on Friday.

It passes Tong Park reservoir and Hollins Hill to Esholt with time to explore the neighbouring village and take lunch at the Woolpack Inn, or bring picnic if preferred, before returning alongside the River Aire and through ginnels to Baildon by mid-afternoon.

The last walk starts at 11.30am on Sunday morning for a leisurely saunter down to Saltaire via lesser-known paths. Ramblers should bring a picnic lunch. People are also invited to spend time visiting Saltaire village or enjoy Roberts Park before returning by bus or Shipley Glen Tramway in mid-afternoon.

For further information contact Baildon Town Clerk on 01274 593169 or ring Chris Flecknoe on 01274 585054.