IN a welcome back to North Yorkshire's great outdoors, English Heritage is striding out with a new guide booklet, Heritage Hikes.

Walkers are being welcomed back to the countryside to explore the region's spectacular landscape.

Embracing woodland, fields, moors, clifftops and riverside paths, the walks take in the 12th century splendour of Rievaulx Abbey and the evocative deserted medieval village of Wharram Percy, near Malton.

Other routes centre on Whitby Abbey's wild ruins, romantic Byland Abbey, near Thirsk, Mount Grace Priory, near Northallerton, and Richard III's old stomping ground at Middleham Castle.

David Fraser, English Heritage regional director, said: "People don't have to travel abroad to enjoy fantastic scenery and memorable historic sites. It is important to remember how much beauty and interest we have on our own doorstep in Yorkshire. I want to encourage people to stride out and discover this amazing landscape."

Each circular walk is on a waterproof and durable laminated card that fits easily into a cagoule pocket. Routes have been independently tested and will appeal to both experienced and novice adult walkers alike, covering between six and eight miles.

Anyone buying a Heritage Hikes walking guide before June 30, will receive a set of vouchers giving them two for one entry before December 2002 to any of the featured staffed sites.

Copies are priced at £5.95 each and are available from English Heritage sites or by calling 01761 452966.

The guide describes six inspiring treks around English Heritage historic properties in North Yorkshire.