WALKERS are being helped to get out into the countryside over the next few months.

Durham County Council has devised a programme of almost 70 guided walks between October and December.

The first will be on Wednesday and is a 14-mile trek from Cow Green Reservoir, Teesdale, to High Cup Nick on the the top of the Pennines.

An eight-mile Tales from the Riverbank walk, featuring poetry and prose from Barnard Castle, and a four- mile tour of Seaham street names will be held next Saturday.

Transport to the starting point can be booked on 0191-383 4144.

The walks leaflet is available from local libraries and Tourist information centres, or the council on 0191-383 4144.

The walks are listed in the What's On section of the council's website at www.durham.gov.uk.