MORE footpaths are re-opening in County Durham following the lifting of foot-and-mouth restrictions by Defra.
Durham County Council says that less than eight per cent of the county's network of 4,300 routes is still closed.
"The re-openings mean that both the Pennine Way and the Teesdale Way are now fully open in County Durham and any closures are concentrated around Tow Law, Crook, Staindrop and Cornsay, said environmental and technical services director Chris Tunstall.
"Apart from some paths in Hunstanworth parish, all of the paths in the parts of Weardale and Teesdale are now open.''
Some paths could stay off limits to ramblers until March or April.
Mr Tunstall said: "We would ask for the continued support of the walking public in respecting the few official closure notices that do remain _ they are still in force.''
For further information about which footpaths are closed call the county council on 0191-383 3452.
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