DARTMOOR is a walker's paradise, so it follows that there are masses of publications available to illustrate the beauty and challenge of the land.

A new one, Dartmoor Wildnerness Walks, has been compiled by Tavistock man and experienced walker and moorland guide Simon Dell, which offers a selection of interesting trails, amply accompanied by pictures and descriptions.

Each of the walks offers the choice of a ten-mile hike or a more modest five-mile outing, apart from the last — a two-day walk comprising two ten-mile treks from the east of the moor to the west.

To start, the walks include a clear reproduction of the ordnance survey map and notes to help the hiker on the type of terrain to be encountered.

The walks are described in stages and most helpfully, each stage includes a map reference. Many also have photographs, all in colour, of obvious landmarks and places of interest to look out for.

There are short paragraphs giving a little history of buildings or distinctive rocks or tors, which add interest to the walks.

The book is paperbacked and pocket size — but just as useful, it has a handy spiral spine and slightly laminated pages — not completely waterproof admittedly, but better than plain paper on a wet day, of which there are many on the moor!

Each walk is colour coded, which also makes for easy reading.

Simon Dell has written many books about Dartmoor — this latest publication certainly conveys his enthusiasm for the moor and provides the inspiration to get out there and enjoy it.

Dartmoor Wilderness Walks is available from Bookstop in Tavistock or from his website, wwwsimondell.co.uk priced £8.50

Jane Honey