A COLUMNIST for The Northern Echo is throwing down another challenge for hikers who enjoy walking the footpaths around the region.

Last year, Mark Reid, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, who is famous for his Inn Way walking guides, did his bit to attract people back to the countryside by dreaming up a treasure hunt with a difference.

Search For A Stone challenged ramblers to search for inscribed slates which he had hidden along the long-distance Inn Way routes outlined in the books.

Only the Yorkshire Dales stone was found - but the others have now been moved so they will be easier to uncover and a new Dales one has been hidden at a different location.

Mr Reid said: "Last year's Search For A Stone inspired lots of people to get their boots on and walk through the hills and dales of northern England.

"I have had another Dales stone book made and moved the others to make them more visible."

The first person to uncover each of the stones wins a year's supply of Black Sheep bitter, a pair of Brasher lightweight walking boots, gaiters and trekking poles.

Mr Reid said: "Hopefully, this year, all the stones will be found as we would not want all that beer and walking gear going to waste."

Further information about the challenge can be found at www.innway.co.uk

* You can follow Mark Reid's walking column in The Northern Echo's 7 Days supplement every Thursday.