THE Dartmoor Preservation Association, the moor's oldest environmental campaigning organisation is inviting the public to join its programme of free organised Dartmoor walks.

For the past few years, the DPA has arranged walks for its own members.

To encourage walkers to return to Dartmoor in the wake of last year's disastrous foot and mouth epidemic, the DPA is now inviting non-members to walk with its ramble leaders during the coming year.

This year's walks programme features 26 walks, ranging from short strolls of a couple of miles to hill treks in wild country up to 15 miles in length.

Chief executive John Bainbridge said: 'the DPA is fortunate to have some highly knowledgeable and experienced walks leaders among its membership.

'Most parts of Dartmoor are visited on the current programme, so this is an excellent way to become acquainted with southern England's last great wilderness.

Beginners will learn a lot about Dartmoor and why it needs conserving, the more experienced rambler will find companionship.'

One of the first walks of the programme is a light two to three hour walk taking a route from Whitchurch Down, via Middlemoor, Plasterdown, Moortown and the 'Pimple'.

The walk will be lead by Peter Perry and begins at 12.30pm from the Whitchurch Inn on Thursday, May 23.

The full programme of walks can be obtained by sending a stamped self-addressed envelope to the Dartmoor Preservation Association, Old Duchy Hotel, Princetown, PL20 6QF.