Welcome Way
A 28-mile long-distance path in West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire. The Welcome Way is a community route linking towns and villages north of Bradford and Leeds, visiting Otley, Guiseley, Baildon, Burley-in-Wharfedale, and Ilkley. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SE 201 455
Distance: 28 miles (45 km)
Time: 12–14 hours
Duration: 1–2 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
288 Bradford, Huddersfield and East Calderdale
297 Lower Wharfedale and Washburn Valley
Summary
The Welcome Way is a long-distance walking circuit in West Yorkshire created as a collaboration between the three “Walkers are Welcome” (WAW) communities of Otley, Burley-in-Wharfedale, and Baildon, with Bingley joining as a fourth WAW group when an extra 9-mile loop was added. The entire project incorporates sections of each community’s previously published self-guided walking routes, resulting in a spectacular circular walk.
The name “Welcome Way” reflects the four communities belonging to the nationally accredited “Walkers are Welcome” scheme. From the nominal beginning in Otley, places visited on the route include The Chevin, Guiseley, Spring Wood, Esholt, Baildon, Baildon Moor, Shipley Glen, Burley Moor (Ilkley Moor), Burley-in-Wharfedale, Ilkley, Denton, Askwith, and Clifton.