WALKING enthusiasts are celebrating the golden anniversary of a long-distance trail from Ilkley to the shores of Windermere.

A commemorative booklet, 50 Years of the Dales Way, has been published by the Dales Way Association telling the story of the route, which follows the Rivers Wharfe, Dee and Lune.

The path grew out of the fight for rights of way in the 1950s and 60s, and has become one of the country's best-loved trails.

Each year around 4,000 walkers embark on the 80-mile journey from Ilkley to Bowness.

To order a copy of the booklet, £4.99 post free, visit www.skywareco.uk, with proceeds going towards the path's upkeep.

To find out more about this August's anniversary exhibition in Ilkley, and a celebratory walk on Saturday, August 3, see www.dalesway.org