Vast areas of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors have now been newly opened up to walkers under recent Right to Roam legislation.

Knowing where to start, however, can be a bit daunting. Now the Ramblers Association has come to the rescue.

The Freedom to Roam guides are handy, pocket sized little books, written by ramblers who clearly know their ground. Each has an introduction to the area and at least 12 walks, graded for difficulty, that allow walkers to choose their own routes. There are some stunning photographs to entice you outdoors, and each walk comes with detailed mapping.

Best of all are the directions, with their wonderful "head off up into the hills and hope" sort of quality.

The authors know their Dales and Moors and these are books about roaming, rather than about following the beaten track. And all the better for it.