THE joys of Cheshire’s Sandstone Trail are brought to life in a new walkers’ guide released today (Monday, November 24).

Local author and keen walker Tony Bowerman has produced the 224-page book titled Walking Cheshire’s Sandstone Trail with support from Cheshire County Council.

The pocket-sized book features route descriptions in both directions, large scale Ordnance Survey maps and more than 200 modern colours and historic black and white photographs.

There are sections on travel, accommodation, walking and food and drink, plus explanations of the Trail’s geology, history, culture and wildlife.

Spanning 34 miles from Frodsham to Whitchurch, the Sandstone Ridge is one of Cheshire’s most distinctive landscape features, standing prominently above the surrounding plain.

It has a strong cultural and natural character with concentrations of woodland, heathland, peatland and a chain of hilltop Iron Age forts all set within a framework of sandstone buildings, boundary walls and sunken lanes.

Mr Bowerman, who lives in Tattenhall, said: “We are very fortunate in Cheshire to have on our doorsteps a route which is probably the finest middle-distance trail in the North West.

“I wanted to create a guide that would be the perfect companion for weekend strollers and dedicated long-distance walkers alike.

“The book has already received a glowing review from the Long Distance Walkers’ Association and I would like to thank everyone involved for their support, particularly Cheshire County Council.”

County council countryside ranger John Street said: “We were pleased to assist with funding for this excellent guide which will, I am sure, encourage many more people to explore one of Cheshire’s defining landscape features.”

Published by Northern Eye Books, the £11.99 book is available from outlets including Waterstones, Borders, WH Smith, selected Tesco stores, Delamere Visitor Centre, Beeston Castle, Tourist Information Centres, post offices and garden centres, or directly from the publisher on 01928 723744.

The book is complimented by the website www.sandstonetrail.com which features maps, extra photographs and information and regular updates.