For all these walks, we recommend you wear boots with a good grip and be prepared for some mud and possibly rain. None of this months walks require pre-booking – just turn up. Bring water and any snacks that you may want, plus a packed lunch for those that run over lunchtime. Our guided walks are free and everyone is welcome.
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Thursday 29 February. LEAP YEAR DAY WALK: “HISTORIC VILLAGES OF TONG PARK AND ESHOLT”. 4 miles. Meet walks leaders Chris and Mervyn Flecknoe at Baildon Railway Station for 10.00am departure. We shall skirt parts of the old Tong Park village on both our outwood and return route. As we leave Baildon, we will pass Tong Reservoir, cross the Golf Course, and take an old lane down to Esholt, where we will take a look at the oldest parts of the village and the church and take our “mid morning refreshment break”. We shall return alongside the River Aire, before ascending back through Tong Park to the station for around 12.30. This walking route is included in the Baildon WaW publication “Six Walks for Self-Guiding from Baildon Railway Station” and copies will be available for purchase (£3) on the walk.
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*** Saturday 9 March: our 2nd Saturday Guided Walk for March. HILLS AND VALLEY TO MENSTON AND BACK. 10 miles.
Meet walk leaders Chris Flecknoe, Derek Whiteley and Linda Simic on the “island” in the centre of Baildon that has the old stocks on it, adjacent to the main bus stop, opposite the Kashmiri Spice restaurant (BD17 6JX) for us to set out at 10.10.  This walk is being arranged in conjunction with Bradford CHA, some of whom will arrive on the 626 bus due into Baildon at 10.06.

Our route is around 10 miles and is a circular walk to Menston and back by a different route with varied scenery and terrain.  We shall leave Baildon on tracks and paths towards Sconce, and on to Faweather Grange before rising up on an old bridleway with good views to pass Old Wood Farm and arrive at the Bingley Road. We will cross with care to pass out onto the open moorland.  The gently rising track will bring us to the watershed between the Aire and the Wharfe and as we start to descend we shall enjoy long-distance views towards Otley and beyond.

We shall follow descending paths to the former Bleach Mill and then take the track along Bleach Mill Lane to arrive at Menston. We have arranged for lunch to be taken (plus use of toilets) at the Cornerstone Cafe at the Methodist Church in Menston. There is outdoor seating for eating packed lunches (please purchase a drink to help support this volunteer-run cafe). Light lunches can be purchased by those who wish to do so.

After admiring some of the historic properties on Menston Main Street we will continue into the nature reserve which was once the grounds of High Royds Hospital before heading back towards Baildon on paths from White Cross to the east end of Hawksworth. We cross two golf coursse as we descend into the Gill Beck Valley and return to our start point on an old pack-horse track.
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*** Thursday 14th March: “A CREAM OF A WALK” AND MEET A LOCAL PRODUCER. Meet walks leaders Bob Davidson and Barbara Walker at 10.00am for a 3.75 mile walk from the main lodge entrance of Robert Park (near the play area) to Bingley, where we will meet the local couple who run “Eldwick Creamery” – producers of award winning cheeses. The business is migrating from their garage to much larger premises in Bingley which they are converting. When we go it will still be “work in progress” but they are looking forward to telling us about their business and letting us taste some of their products.  This walk brings together two of our interests – travelling to other local towns and villages on foot and supporting local businesses, not to mention some wonderful woodland and riverside paths! Responses from some of our walkers suggests that interesting cheese is also an interest for many people.

We will follow a route through Roberts Park to Hirst Lock, walk through Hirst wood and pick up the riverside path to Beckfoot Bridge. We complete the walk into Bingley via a bridleway. This is a fairly level walk with well defined footpaths. No stiles. Some uneven ground in a couple of places with exposed tree roots. This is a linear walk which will end at Bingley. Information will be available about bus and train options for return to Roberts Park .  ETA about 11.45 – 12.00 in Bingley; plus 30 – 45 mins at the Creamery.  Myrtle Park is a good place for a picnic if you care to bring one; and there are several good cafes if you want to buy lunch.
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*** Saturday 23 March. BIRDSONG IDENTIFICATION WALK. This walk is arranged by Denso Marsten Nature Reserve, but all Baildon WaW friends are welcome. This gentle stroll around the Nature Reserve will help you to identify bird song. It will be led by Paul Robinson who is also a leader for Baildon WaW. Meet Paul at 10.00am at the top of path on Otley Road that leads down to the Nature Reserve (opposite layby at Hoyle Court). Anticipated time for end of this walk 12.0
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*** Friday 29 March. ILKLEY TO MIDDLETON CALVARY ON GOOD FRIDAY. This walk is jointly arranged with Bradford Countryside Service. 3.5 miles.

We had hoped that this walk would commence on a train journey from Baildon Railway Station. However, it now looks likely that the railway line will still not be open by the end of March.

So to join this walk, you would need to make your own way to Ilkley, and meet Barbara outside Ilkley Manor House for an 11.00am departure from there. Bring water and a packed lunch.  You may wish to consider using the bus replacement service which picks up from opposite the Half Way House pub on Otley Road (9.56) to get to Guiseley station, where you can transfer to the trains from Leeds.

The walk will take in field paths and country lanes to arrive at the Calvary at the former Monastery and will return via Middleton Woods. Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water / drinks.

The walk will terminate in Ilkley and participants from Baildon will need to make their own arrangements for returning to Baildon.

Boots with good soles are recommended and bring waterproof in case of rain.