AN author hopes to help promote a walk that takes in some of the North-East’s most iconic places.

Durham Cow Publishing has produced what it says is the first photographic guide to the 78-mile Weardale Way.

The Weardale Way – A Guided Tour of the River Wear through County Durham and Sunderland - brings the route up to date and aims to raise the profile of the trail.

Author Joe Watson, of Durham City, said: “The Weardale Way may not be the hardest or the longest trail in the country but its diversity and heritage is second to none.

“It can be undertaken by almost anyone and I’ve always felt that it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.

“This route has it all, rugged fells, pastoral valleys, rivers, burns, castles, cathedrals, industrial ghosts and beautiful beaches.

“There’s a lot of information to pack into a little book and I’m absolutely delighted with the result.”

The way-marked trail – which links the North Pennines to the North Sea – is more than 30 years old but the most recent guidebook was published around 15 years ago. The route has undergone many changes since, and the book features bespoke maps, directions and annotated colour photographs detailing the many features on the way.

The paperback guide is available direct from the publisher at www.durhamcowpublishing.co.uk for £10.49 plus postage.