Hawzah News Agency –A group set up to encourage more Muslims to take up hiking was hit by a barrage of negative comments after a Christmas Day walk.

Over 130 people signed up for the Mam Tor mountain walk in Derbyshire's Peak District organised by Muslim Hikers.

It attracted people of various backgrounds from across the UK including Bradford, Leeds, Batley, Dewsbury and Sheffield.

The participants had a brilliant day out but a handful of people made derogatory comments when the Muslim Hikers group posted photos of the event on a Peak District walking group on Facebook.

One man wrote: "Pathetic. Go back to what you did before the pandemic and leave this place alone for the proper walkers."

Another posted: "And I bet not one of the 100s help repair the paths when they become impassable. Absolute disgrace. Whoever organised such a trip should feel ashamed."

A spokesman for Muslim Hikers, Haroon Mota, told YorkshireLive the group had been set up during lockdown to tackle isolation and loneliness and to inspire people to get outside.

The group proved so popular it was then established as a not-for-profit community interest company. The Mam Tor hike was the group's third event.

Mr Mota said he believed some of the negative online comments had a racial overtone.

A hiker for 15 years, Mr Mota said he had never experienced any negative comments while out in the hills.

He described some of the negative online comments as 'quite extreme' but he said most group members were 'broad-shouldered' and it would only encourage them to get out more.

On the 'proper walkers' comment, Mr Mota said: "What is a proper walker?

"The comment 'go back to what you were doing' sounds like 'go back to where you come from', that we don't belong here."

Mr Mota said he wasn't upset by the comments, saying: "It doesn't upset me. We know these issues exist.

"We will carry on doing what we are doing."

Mr Mota emphasised that Muslim Hikers is open to people from all backgrounds.

"Hiking is for all. Whether you hike 365 days of the year or just once, you are still a 'proper walker'."

Muslim Hikers published some of the negative comments on Twitter and was bombarded with supportive responses from across the country as well as hundreds more followers.

Keen walker 'Yorkshire Dave' said: "It looks like you all had a great time and the outdoors is there for all of us, Just ignore the idiots on here..Get them blocked."

Another said: "I saw your earlier posts, and felt enormous pleasure in seeing walkers who might not usually experience these beautiful places getting out and having fun.

"Bigots will continue to be drawn to and amplified by platforms such as Facebook, but please keep going!"

One Twitter user wrote: "Everyone is a proper walker and everyone is welcome on the hills and in the wild spaces. It's really that simple. Enjoy."

Another wrote: "Sadly it’s a toxic mix of racism and jealousy."