PEOPLE have the chance to learn more about 400 miles of County Durham landscape in the coming months.

Durham County Council has produced a programme of 68 guided walks from October to December.

The programme includes easy town strolls and photographic walks, hard hikes along the Weardale Way, and literary walks in hidden valleys.

They are led by experts in subjects such as local history, geology, ecology and industrial archaeology, and are designed to give walkers the chance to learn something about the area.

The programme gets under way on Wednesday, October 2, with a 15-mile hard Hike to the Pikes from Hamsterley Forest with voluntary countryside ranger Michael Jones.

Included in October's 27 walks is a ride on the Tanfield Railway with a short walk from Causey Arch, an easy saunter around Midleton-in-Teesdale, and a look at the landscape, wildlife and views of east Durham.

November offers the chance to explore Waldridge Fell and No Place, escape the crowds in the Upper Derwent valley, and see the countryside prepare for winter around Blanchland.

December's 18 walks include a tour of four Teesdale villages, a border walk from Ebchester and winter on Seaham's seafront.

There are short walks lined up for Christmas Day and Boxing Day and on December 28 and 29.

All walks cost £2 for adults and £1 for concessions.

Programme leaflets are available in libraries, tourist information centres, or by contacting the council on 0191-383 4144.

The walks are also listed in the what's on section of the council website, which is at www.durham.gov.uk