With the weather finally warming up, there’s never been a better time to get outside and enjoy a walk in our wonderful county.

Throughout National Walking Month this May, Walk Durham has been encouraging people to join them in their weekly walks which are suitable for beginners and take place across the county.

All are led by trained walk leaders and are between 30 and 90 minutes long.

Ann Dixon, a volunteer walk leader at Esh Winning, said she has seen many participants greatly improve their wellbeing and fitness as well as making new friendships.

“I’ve been a leader for about four and a half years and it’s a real privilege to be involved in an activity which helps people with their physical and general health. It’s great to see people of all abilities spending time together and enjoying each other’s company, all while making the most of the stunning countryside we are lucky enough to have on our doorstep” she said.

Walk Durham offers free, short group walks throughout the year as part of Ramblers Walking for Health, England’s largest network of health walk schemes, which is funded by players of People’s Post Code Lottery and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The full timetable of walks is available at www.durham.gov.uk/walkdurham. All of the walks are free and take place each week.