AN INNOVATIVE map that joins together villages in the north of Bury as an easy route for walkers is set to be launched.

The Village Walk, which has been developed in conjunction with the Bury Rural Inequalities Forum (BRIF) and walkers, links Affetside, Ainsworth, Greenmount, Hawkshaw, Holcombe and Walshaw.

The map features 14 different walks covering 15 miles of public footpaths, which have been colour coded and simplified for people to use.

It will be launched at the start of June, and waymarks and signposts to help people follow the route have already been installed.

Once launched, walkers will be able to print off a copy of the map from the website and smartphone owners will be able to view the map while on the move.

As well as using the map to follow their route on the walks, amenities such as cafes, pubs and car parks are also listed.

Dr Falmai Binns, chairman of BRIF, said she hoped the interactive element of the map would inspire younger people put on their walking boots.

She said: “The group holds meetings every other month and we had this idea, which we hope will encourage people to get out into the countryside.

“It is aimed at those who may not be experienced walkers but want to know what they can visit in the countryside.”

The project has been helped by a £5,000 grant from the charity Forever Manchester, as well as township forum funding from Bury Council.

The website from where walkers can get the map, village-link.com, is set to go live at the start of June.