A SERIES of virtual walks has been created to give hikers a taste of a walking festival from the comfort of their home.

Visitors to Richmond Walking Festival's website can go on six different "walks".

Surfers are able to view the countryside seen along the routes and read information about what they are seeing.

The virtual walks were designed by Richmond software firm thecitysecrets, which is sponsoring several of the festival's walks.

Martin Worner, director of thecitysecrets, said: "We wanted people to experience a sense of the landscapes that they will be visiting by going beyond the restrictions of a single photographic image. For example, when you stand on top of a hill you can see many different views around you and this is the sensation we wanted to achieve with the panoramic rotations. We also hope that people will be impressed by the beauty and variety of the locations, which will encourage them to visit the town or take part in the festival's events."

The festival runs from September 23 to October 2. For more information, visit www.richmondwalking.com