TO celebrate autumn, the National Trust is inviting the public to pull on their walking boots and explore the great outdoors.

A nationwide walking festival will run from October 22 to 30, and Cotehele has organised 13 varied walks in the Tamar Valley to celebrate the event.

Cotehele's programme includes walks ranging from one to nine miles long and it starts with the inauguration of a new path on Saturday October 22.

Head ranger Joe Lawrence said the new path is an extension from Cotehele Quay up the Morden Valley through a mix of oak, ash and beech trees and home to roe deer, badgers, squirrels, rabbits, snakes and many birds.

There will also be a series of activities for children. For more information contact 01579 351346 or visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele">www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele