A SUMMER of walks will launch this weekend with a ramble around one of County Durham’s hidden gems.

The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership has planned a programme of outdoor activities starting with volunteer Iain Boulton leading a five mile walk exploring 2,500 years of human history in Stanhope Dene in Weardale.

The walk will start at the Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope at 10am and will take five hours, so walkers are advised to take a packed lunch and wet weather gear.

Mr Boulton said: “Weardale is full of remains of our industrial past and our predecessors didn’t think twice about overcoming some amazing hurdles.

“On this walk we’ll see mines and quarries and some spectacular transport solutions, now all gradually being taken back by nature.”

Places must be booked by visiting northpennines.org.uk or calling 01388-528801.

Tickets cost £3.