MORE walkers are being encouraged to explore the Ruby Country around Holsworthy and Hatherleigh through a new Trail Pack released last week.

The Ruby Country Initiative was set up to help visitors to discover North West Devon?s valleys and ancient woodlands and its rare culm grassland.

The Ruby Trail pack describes eight circular trails, each starting from villages or towns, such as the old market village of Sheepwash and the Saxon town of Bradworthy. They also give interesting information about the wildlife, history and landscape features that can be seen on route.

Rosie Austin, Ruby Country co-ordinator, said: ?The trail packs are great for local people and tourists alike and we hope will give them the confidence to explore this beautiful region at their own pace.

?Each walk is family friendly and offers a different location within the Ruby Country. Walkers will be dazzled by lakes, canals and be able to gaze over panoramic views of Dartmoor.

?The trails represent the best ways to experience this amazing area.?

Rosie said the Ruby Trails were designed to boost visitors? and locals? use of footpaths and the trails? infrastructure would hopefully add to a sustainable economy for the area, encouraging visitors to stop and spend their time on local products and services while enjoying the delights of North West Devon.

The trails range in length from four to nine miles and the majority include dog gates.

They are all waymarked with the distinctive red Ruby Country discs to ensure that the routes are easy to follow. The packs also give details of OS maps that relate to each walk and the Traveline number to ring in order to obtain local bus service details.

For more information about the Trail Pack contact Discover Devon on 0870 6085531 or alternatively, visit the website at