A SERIES of summer walks across the North will be launched by a national leader of the Ramblers' Association next weekend.

Nick Barrett, the association's chief executive, will join a three-mile trek through Beamish Woods, near Stanley County Durham, the first of the walks for all the family.

The Northern Family Walking Group is one of the first within the Ramblers' Association movement specifically to encourage different generations to explore the countryside together.

All the walks are relatively short and leisurely paced, designed for regular and novice ramblers, regardless of age or fitness.

The group welcomes association members and the public to join its events.

Highlights of the forthcoming season include a shoreline ramble at South Shields, a four-mile hike through Houghall Woods, near Durham, and a circular walk from Craster on the Northumberland coast, ending with the chance to build sand castles on the beach. Sunday's Beamish Woods walk begins at 10.30am.

Further details on all the walks are available from Liz Smith on 0191-213 2102.

Information is also available on the association's local website, at http://northern.ra-area.org.uk