COUNCILLORS are putting their best feet forward to create maps detailing walks to help tourists and residents make the most of Ryedale District’s market towns.

The council has teamed up with digital walking business iFootpath to come up with the maps which each have four walks.

The routes are described, photographed and mapped in detail and to make it even easier, they can be downloaded and followed using an app on smart phones, or printed out.

Ryedale District Council leader Councillor Linda Cowling said: “The project aims to help our visitors to discover the beautiful countryside around the five Ryedale market towns, while also encouraging stops at attractions, cafes, pubs and shops along the way.

“Encouraging visitors to stay in the area for a longer time, spend more and to enjoy each of the towns are key parts of the Ryedale Market Towns Promotion Project,” she added.

Each walk begins in one of the market towns of Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside, Pickering,Malton and Norton-on-Derwent , and there are routes to suit all abilities, from shorter discovery trails to longer countryside rambles.

The walks are mapped via GPS meaning it is easier than ever to avoid wrong turns. Walkers can download and print the PDF guide for free or download the iFootpath App.

Richard Jemmett, of iFootpath, said: “We spent three weeks in Ryedale researching the walks and discovering the area, finding great scenery and views, friendly cafes and pubs and history and heritage around every turn. Our dog, Bobbie, joined us as well to test out the walks from her point of view.”

The walks, each with a map and detailed directions, are also available from VisitRyedale.co.uk or free of charge at the visitor information points in Helmsley, Pickering and Malton and the libraries in Kirkbymoorside and Norton.