POPULAR Dorset chef Lesley Waters is urging residents and visitors to Dorset this summer to get out into the countryside and explore the bountiful larder that Dorset has to offer.

Lesley, together with a fast expanding group of Dorset food producers, is championing the recently introduced Dorset Pedal Routes.

This is a creative initiative from Dorset Food & Drink which, with the support of DEFRA's Food is GREAT campaign, encourages participants to harness some Dorset Pedal Power and explore the range of food Dorset has to offer.

The Foodie Routes tell the story of how Dorset is fast becoming the "larder of the South West".

Lesley said, "I love the idea of being able to eat my way around the Dorset countryside! This fantastic new initiative makes my mouth water - the Ploughman's Lunch ride is right up my street … and the Salt Pig ride is very intriguing. I can't believe how many hidden delights lie along these cycle routes."

There are four routes covering Eastern Dorset and Purbeck, and four routes covering Northern Dorset and the Stour Valley.

Lesley continues, "The Dorset Pedals are great for both the visitor to Dorset and also for people who live here as they take you on some fascinating routes that encourage the exploration of the county's food heritage."

Katharine Wright from Dorset Food and Drink said, "We are delighted that Lesley has got behind this campaign. Her Cookery School is known for using seasonal local produce and Lesley knows just where to go in Dorset to find it, but we have even managed to surprise her with some of the local businesses and food producers we have discovered along the Dorset Pedals routes."

Katharine continued, "This summer we are really hoping that people will get their bikes out, or perhaps tackle the two walks we have included in the leaflets.

"Cycling is excellent exercise. It helps people meet recommended physical activity guidelines, improves mental health and well-being, and reduces the risk of premature death and ill-health….. and it's much cheaper than going to the gym!"

The leaflets can be downloaded from: www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/food-and-drink/foodie-routes or copies are available from Tourism Information Centres, libraries, cafes, shops and a wide range of tourism providers supporting the initiative.