WALKERS can discover a range of scenic locations across the north of Bury thanks to a new website.

The Village Link, which has been developed by Bury Rural Inequalities Forum (BRIF), with the help of Bury Council, links Affetside, Ainsworth, Greenmount, Hawkshaw, Holcombe and Walshaw by a number of maps and walking routes.

The map features 14 different walks covering 15 miles of public footpaths, with more than 300 waymarks being installed to guide walkers.

The walks have been simplified to help amblers, with colour coding being introduced to help them stay on track.

They will be able to print off the maps, or view them on their smartphone as they go.

Dr Falmai Binns, chairman of BRIF, said she hoped the website will encourage families and new walkers to enjoy Bury's countryside.

She said: "Village Link allows you to plan your day out: just click on any link on the Master Map on the home page, and it will take you to the more detailed map of your choice.

“The directions contain lots of interesting nuggets of history en route, plus beautiful artwork by our favourite artist Janet Brady. Bury Council not only gave some new marker posts, but also erected them.

“The website has its own Facebook page where walkers can post their favourite photos of the routes for others to enjoy. It also has contact e-mails to report any repairs that are needed, and links to transport links and alerts to cafes and pubs in each village and along the route."

He added: “We suggest simply walking from one village to the next one of choice, then walking back, and enjoying the different views and gradients.”

Funding for the project was granted by Forever Manchester and through the council's township forum funding pot.

Cllr Jane Lewis, cabinet member for communities and culture, said: “Bury boasts a lot of beautiful countryside, and it’s fantastic that we can use the latest hi-tech developments to encourage people to get out and about for a healthy walk and visit our more rural communities.”

For more information: visit village-link.com