Its a matter of culture.

But it isn't the theatre or the arts, its a good old fashioned walk.

But they aren't just any old walks, but bristling with unusual ideas and cultural elements.

For the cultural folk of Otley, walking isn't all about muddy boots and soaking waterproofs.

Instead of stuffing their rucksacks with spare socks and an ordnance survey map, some hikers from the town prefer to find room for a little Wordsworth or Keats.

And they will be reciting poetry and sipping fine wines and ales as part of the 'poetry and pints' walk to be featured in this year's Otley Walking Festival.

It is just one of a series of unusual themed walks to feature in the festival, which makes its return this summer after foot and mouth caused its cancellation last year.

Highlights include a midnight hike around the secluded Thruscross Reservoir, a toddlers teddy bear walk, and a trip along the route of Otley's former railway line.

Early-risers are also set to take part in a bird-spotting trip which leaves Otley at 4am for a four-hour trip up the Chevin.

But organiser Ruth Blackwell said the poetry and pints walk was expected to be among the most popular.

The group will leave Otley Market Place at 6.30pm for the five-mile hike up Old Pool Bank, with walkers encouraged to recite their favourite verses along the way.

On their return to town two-and-a-half hours later, the group will join local poet Kevin Collier for further pints and poems in the Red Lion pub.

"We are asking people to bring along a copy of a book of poems that they like, and share them with the rest of us," said Mrs Blackwell.

Mr Collier, who has written several poems about Otley and the surrounding area, said: "Poems and pints have always gone together really well, but I am not so sure about the walking," he said. "Normally the more pints people have, the more they appreciate the poetry, but I think I might even do the walk this year."

But for those who don't quite have the energy for a trek up the Chevin, another walk entitled 'poems, pints and no walk', has been arranged.

The festival, which features around 35 walking-themed events, runs from June 22 to 30. Special walks for the disabled, including one using electric scooters and a second for blind and partially sighted people, have been organised.

Mrs Blackwell said the plan was to ensure there is something to suit everyone - whatever your interest or walking limitations.

"Each day, there is a chance to take in a walk and then an event in the evening," she explained. "We get all sorts of people coming and everybody is catered for."

For a full programme of events, call into Otley Library, the Civic Centre or the tourist information centre.