THIS autumn's Tamar Trail Festival takes place between October 26 and 31, offering more than 30 events and activities for all ages and abilities.

People can warm up with walks of interest throughout the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including a guided stroll around Cotehele Gardens with orchard officer Chris Groves and a close look at Devon Great Consols or Bedford United with mining historian Rick Stewart.

Other areas to explore include Kit Hill, Calstock, Cadsonbury and Coombe Trenchard.

Becki Lumbis from the Tamar Valley AONB team picked out a few highlights, aimed specifically at children, to enjoy this half-term: 'Follow the clues, watch out for spooks and collect your treasure on a Hallowe'en Treasure Hunt.

'Lopwell Dam and the Tamar Trails Centre are both offering family fun days with many activities free of charge, while Buckland Abbey provides the chance to make something from felt. For a night-time adventure don't miss the Spooky Lantern Walk, with marshmallows round the camp fire.'

Dave Readman, from Tamar Community Trust, hopes the festival will inspire some to give up a little of their time and volunteer: 'We simply couldn't get everything done without the support and help of volunteers. If you could offer just some of your time, would like to meet like-minded people and get out into the landscape, come along to our Valley Volunteer Drop-in Day, part of the Trail Festival.'

Dave is also running a Woodland Management day course during the festival, looking at the value of woodlands and learning wood cutting and small tree felling techniques.

For information on all these events and more, pick up a free booklet from local outlets throughout the Tamar Valley, or view a copy online at http://www.tamarvalley.co.uk">www.tamarvalley.co.uk