Ilkley has been officially recognised as a ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town, thanks to a campaign and rigorous application process led by Ilkley Business Improvement District (BID) in collaboration with local businesses and community organisations.
‘Walkers are Welcome’ is a nationwide initiative launched in 2007 which enables and encourages the development of accredited towns and villages in the UK to support and improve their communities’ economic growth and physical and mental wellbeing through the promotion of walking.
There are currently over 100 locations throughout the UK that have joined this innovative community-led scheme and which benefit from WaW accreditation.
As part of the application requirements, Ilkley BID gathered 750 signatures from LS29 community members and businesses, demonstrating strong local support for the initiative.
In addition to securing formal endorsements from Bradford Council and Ilkley Town Council, Ilkley BID met the stringent criteria set by the Walkers are Welcome National Executive Committee. These requirements included a commitment to maintaining the local path network in excellent condition, evidence that the town encourages public transport use, and a strategic marketing plan to highlight Ilkley’s Walkers are Welcome status.
A committed ‘Walkers are Welcome’ steering group was established, bringing together Ilkley BID members, managers from outdoor wear retailers and hospitality venues, as well as representatives from Bradford Council Countryside Team and Friends of Ilkley Moor. Their collective expertise and input played a crucial role in shaping the official application process.
This group will remain in place to oversee future initiatives and activities aimed at enhancing Ilkley’s appeal to walkers, including plans for a dedicated Walking Festival in the town.
Becoming a ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town offers numerous tourism, economic, and community benefits that align with Ilkley BID’s economic tourism plans and strategies. Accreditation will help boost the local economy by attracting more visitors to support shops, cafés, and accommodation providers. It will also enhance local amenities, creating a more vibrant and welcoming town.
‘Walkers are Welcome’ status ensures the continued maintenance of public footpaths and promotes responsible access to the natural environment. It also improves accessibility by supporting the development of waymarked trails and advocating for better public transport links to Ilkley and its surrounding areas.
Additionally, accreditation strengthens Ilkley’s reputation as a premier walking destination, securing improved facilities for walkers so that everyone can enjoy the scenic beauty of Ilkley and its surroundings. It provides local people and visitors with opportunities to learn about the town’s culture, history, and biodiversity.
Finally, Ilkley will benefit from national publicity and promotional opportunities through the ‘Walkers are Welcome’ network, further raising the town’s profile as a must-visit location for walkers.
As part of the initial marketing plan following the successful application, Ilkley BID will provide local shops and businesses with ‘Walkers are Welcome’ stickers to showcase their support for the initiative. Additionally, a dedicated webpage has been created on the Discover Ilkley online platform, featuring countryside walks, organised walking events, and accommodation options.
Over the coming weeks, this resource will be further developed to include everything a walker visiting Ilkley might need, ensuring a comprehensive and welcoming experience for all.
Ann Sandell from Walkers are Welcome CIC said:
“Walkers are Welcome CIC are delighted to confirm that Ilkley has been accredited as a 'Walkers are Welcome' town. We found that Ilkley is embracing the criteria with a whole community approach and we are sure that they will be welcoming many walkers, both visitors and residents, with their outstanding countryside and businesses.”
Sarah Brookfield-Almond, Ilkley BID Manager, is delighted with the accreditation and said:
“It has been an incredible honour to lead this initiative on behalf of Ilkley. With its breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage, Ilkley has long been a haven for walkers, and it is truly rewarding to see this officially recognised.
“Our ‘Walkers are Welcome accreditation aligns perfectly with Ilkley BID’s core mission to promote the town as a fantastic place to visit and stay, while increasing footfall and visitor numbers. This, in turn, supports our outstanding businesses and strengthens the local economy.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our steering committee for their invaluable contributions, Ilkley Town Council and Bradford Council for their endorsements, and the local residents and business members who signed the petition. We are excited to collaborate with the Ilkley community network to fully harness the opportunities this accreditation offers, ensuring Ilkley continues to thrive as an exceptional place to live, work, and explore.”
To visit the ‘Walkers are Welcome’ webpage, visit: www.discoverilkley.co.uk/walkers-are-welcome
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