A WEEKEND of 30 guided walks and events will showcase the variety and beauty of spring in the Tamar Valley as the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty hosts this season's Tamar Trail Festival.

Choose from otter spotting, stone walling days, family walks, trail hunting, historic talks around Tavistock, quarry tours and many more.

Some of the events of offer at the festival, which runs from today (Thursday) to Sunday, include the 'Seriously Not Boring Family Walk' along the Wheal Josiah Trail today at 10.30am. This three-hour walk has many activities along the way, including building a mini shelter and making stones stick together.

A 'Close Encounter of the Geological Kind' will provide a unique opportunity to join a guided tour around the working quarry at Greystone near Launceston today at 2pm and on the Saturday, people can take part in the 'Introduction to Stone Walling' day at Deer Park Farm, Luckett.

A full programme of the events is available at many local outlets in and around the Tamar Valley, including the Tamar Valley Centre. Alternatively you can view the programme online at http://www.tamarvalley.org.uk">www.tamarvalley.org.uk