A couple is encouraging families to get out and enjoy the countryside with the launch of Fun Walks books

Paul and Heather Hampton have written a series of family-friendly walking books containing games and puzzles that cover Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Axminster.

The couple, from Axminster, hope is that these books will encourage families on holiday and local residents to get out and about to enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful countryside, not only for a walk but to have some fun along the way.

They said the walks in the books are for all to enjoy, with at least one mobility-friendly walk, and are especially aimed at families to keep the young ones amused whilst walking.

The books include observation challenges and word puzzles and for those completing these on walk, there is a downloadable personalised certificate available from funwalks.co.uk

Mr Hampton, an IT consultant, said the idea for the books came from his wife Heather who had been volunteering at the Tourist Information Centre and Heritage Museum in Axminster. Heather had been asked on many occasions if there were any local walks and what there was for children to do in Axminster and surrounding towns and villages.

This gave them the idea of writing a series of books combining local walks with games and puzzles that could be played whilst on a walk.

They said: “We are of the opinion that no matter how old you are, you can still be young at heart. This book is, therefore, for everyone who enjoys getting out and about for a walk and having fun.

“We are hoping to write more books in the Fun Walks series over the coming months and the next book in the series will be Seaton and Beer.”

For more information on the Fun Walks books, extra games to play and a prize photography competition, visit funwalks.co.uk

The books are priced at £4.99 and are available from The Archway Bookshop in Axminster, Herringbone gift shop in Charmouth, Serendip Bookshop in Lyme Regis or on the website.