THE summer walking season is on the way - and author Mark Reid is hoping to tempt hikers back on to the trail.

With the foot-and-mouth crisis thankfully fading, all the routes featured in his series of walking books, The Inn Way, have now been reopened to the public. Mr Reid is trying to encourage people to step out once more by launching treasure trails in the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and Lake District.

He has had three specially commissioned books hand-carved from Lakeland slate and one has been carefully placed along each of the long-distance walks featured in his books.

They have been placed in positions visible to observant walkers rather than being hidden or buri-ed.

The reward for the finder of each is well worth having. He or she will win a case of Black Sheep Ale every month for a year, as well as a set of top quality walking gear.

"There has been a resurgence of interest in walking and the countryside since the terrible events of last year," said Mr Reid at yesterday's launch at the Sutton Bank visitor centre, near Thirsk.

"I hope that this Search for the Stone treasure hunt will encourage people to get out walking and help the rural economy get back on its feet."