A UNIQUE treasure trail has been set across the North York Moors to try to tempt ramblers to roam again.

The foot and mouth crisis saw hiking banned across many popular moors routes.

Businesses relying on income from walkers were hit hard.

So intrepid author Mark Reid, who wrote The Inn Way walking books series, decided to offer people an incentive to step out. He has had three specially-commissioned books, carved from Lakeland slate, carefully placed on routes on the moors, and in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District.

They have been placed in positions observant walkers will be able to spot.

And there is a good incentive to spot one, as walkers who do will be able to refresh themselves by winning 12 cases of Black Sheep Ale.

They will also scoop a set of top quality walking gear. Mark launched the trail yesterday at the Sutton Bank visitor centre, near Thirsk.

He said: "There has been a resurgence of interest in walking since the terrible events of last year.

"I hope this Search For The Stone treasure hunt will encourage people to get out walking and help the rural economy back on its feet."

Updated: 11:42 Thursday, May 02, 2002