WALKERS from far and wide are expected to descend on the Yorkshire Dales for the Settle-Carlisle walking festival.

Back last year after a three-year pandemic break, the Ride2stride festival will run from Tuesday, April 30 taking in the bank holiday weekend to Monday, May 6.

The festival aims to promote the use of public transport but mainly the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle Railway bringing walkers into the Dales to enjoy a varied programme of walks, for all levels of fitness, talks and music.

Allison Cosgrove, chair of the Friends of the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle Railway will call a start to the festival at 10.30am on April 30 at Settle Station after which a variety of walks will set off.

The walks, graded from easy to strenuous, will depart and return from various stations along the line, with all led by experienced leaders.

They range in length from five to 16 miles taking in Malham, Settle, Giggleswick, Chapel-le-dale, Helwith Bridge, Stainforth, Bolton Abbey and more, including the opportunity to 'climb a peak slowly' - a circular walk from Horton-in-Ribblesdale taking in Penyghent.

A spokesperson for the organisers, said: "It is important that walkers wishing to join one of our walks come prepared with the proper footwear, waterproof clothing and enough food and drink for a full day walking.

"It is also important that walkers choose the level of walks to suit their own capabilities. A walk marked 'easy' is at a leisurely pace with plenty of breaks to take in the wonderful scenery and often visiting a site of interest. 'Moderate' walks are for the more experienced walker and will be at a moderate pace, but will include steeper uphill and downhill terrain.

"Finally 'strenuous' walks will be at a brisk pace, including steep inclines, rough terrain, and in some cases scrambling . The longer mileages are suitable for experienced walkers only."

Dogs will not be allowed on the walks, because the festival is being held at a time when the fields are full of sheep with lambs.

Evening talks will take place at the Friends Meeting House, Kirkgate, Settle and will feature talks on archaeology, geology and mountain rescue.

Music evenings, featuring jazz and folk, will take place at The Golden Lion and The Talbot Arms in Settle and at The Station Inn, Ribblehead.

To find out about the music events during the festival, visit: www.settlevictoria hall.org.uk.

For details, including times, of the festival walks and talks, leaflets are available from stations on the Settle-Carlisle line, or visit the website: www.ride2stride.co.uk; or find it on Facebook.