A HEADY mix of wildlife, hills, castles and coastline will be brought together for a summer of walking events in County Durham.

Durham County Council has put together a new series of guided walks over the next three months which cover around 400 miles of routes.

Five family countryside events including treasure hunts, fun days, wildlife walks and moth searches, are also included in the series starting next Friday with a seven-mile trek from Waskerley Station following one of the great railway journeys in the North Pennines.

During an all-action first week of July, there is also a ten-mile circular walk taking in No Place and Waldridge Fell on Saturday, July 3 and eight miles on the Carrier's Way, near Blanchland, on Sunday, July 4.

The first of the family countryside events - a treasure hunt and train ride - takes place from Causey Arch Picnic Area on Sunday, July 4 at 1.30pm.

As well as easy, short town and photographic walks in Durham City and Seaham, there are harder ten and 16-mile walks in the hills of Teesdale and Weardale led by voluntary countryside rangers and medium 11-mile routes in the Derwent Valley and around Derwent Reservoir.

All are led by guides who also have expertise in local history, geology, ecology and industrial archaeology.

The aim of the programme is to enjoy the walk and learn something about the area at the same time.

Tickets, unless specified, are available on the day at £2 or £1 for concessions. Copies of the programme are available in libraries, Tourist Information Centres or from Durham County Council on 0191-383 4144.