PEOPLE are being offered the chance to start 2001 on the right foot by joining a nine-mile guided walk.

Voluntary Countryside Ranger Steve Shippen will lead the New Year's Day trek around Dipton and Pontop Pike, near Stanley.

The walk is graded "medium'' and starts at 10.30am from the car park, opposite the Red Lion pub, in Dipton.

The walk is one of a series of 60 organised by Durham County Council in its programme for January to March, ranging from an easy two-mile stroll to a ten-mile hike over the fells.

A county council spokeswoman said: "The guides are all experts in their subjects, including geology, local history, ecology, industrial archaeology and architecture, and the walks are graded from easy to hard."

Refreshments, boots and waterproof clothing are essential on the longer walks. Dogs must be kept on their leads at all times.

Tickets, which cost £2 for adults and £1 for concessions, can be bought on the day.

For further information about the walks call 0191-383 4144