Walkers will be especially welcome to Ilkley this autumn as the town marks the start of a major festival celebrating the best walking, cycling and riding country of the South Pennines.

Ilkley will be the focus on the first day of this year’s South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival on Saturday, September 11.

Local organisations are busy working on special walks to mark the event.

The festival aims to establish the reputation of the Pennine landscape of the West Yorkshire/ Lan-cashire border as an area that can match many better known outdoor tourism landmarks when it comes to stunning scenery and outdoor activity.

The festival promotes public transport, and encouraging countryside lovers to leave their car at home.

This year’s programme, although still in preparation, is set to include walks of varying lengths, cycle rides and, a new addition this year, some horse rides.

The festival also incorporates interpretative walks, talks and special themed events focusing on the life, landscape, social and industrial history, transport, literature and environment of the South Pennines landscape.

The group responsible for gaining Ilkley’s sought-after Walkers Are Welcome status last year has been at work co-ordinating local walking events for the first day of the festival.