A SERIES of summer walks will be launched by a national leader of the Ramblers' Association in County Durham this weekend.

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

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

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

The group welcomes not only association members, but the public at large to join its events.

Highlights will 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.

For more details call Liz Smith on (0191) 213 2102.