A SERIES of guided walks are intended to help members of the public brush off the cobwebs and get a breath of fresh air, free from the hustle and bustle of the post Christmas sales.

Durham County Council’s team of volunteer walk leaders will be stepping out to offer a healthy alternative to more festive feasting and frolicking.

Steve Shippen leads the way, first footing in a seven-mile New Year’s Day trek in the Causey Arch and Beamish areas tomorrow.

Expected to take three-and-a-half hours to complete, the walk begins at the picnic site at Causey Arch, west of the A6076, near Stanley, at 10am.

There is the usual £4 charge per participant, who are advised to take a packed lunch.

Jo Davies picks up the baton on Friday, with an 8.5-mile hike titled: “A Tale of Two Railways and a College”.

It starts at Broompark Picnic Area, off the B6302 Broom Lane, between Stonebridge and Ushaw Moor, at 10am, and is expected to take up to five hours to complete.

Bill Gallon leads his annual Last New Year’s Party over a seven-mile route, including a two-course pub lunch, on Wednesday, January 9. Further details are on 03000-264589, during office hours.