A NUMBER of new walking and cycle routes are set to be unveiled throughout the Forth Valley area over the coming weeks.

There will be eight new heritage trails around the Wee County, Stirling, Falkirk and Fife incorporated into the Wanderings and Windings project.

It is aimed at encouraging people to explore the wildlife and history of this unique landscape at the heart of Scotland, and will be launched over the next two weeks at eight free public events around the area.

The free events – which are suitable for all ages – are being held from October 5-20 at locations all around the Inner Forth.

They range from art walks to birding cycles, and from short strolls by the Forth to 26-mile challenge cycles.

Some of the more local events include one called the Ochils Fault and Forth Inches, which consists of a circular walk from Cambus lookings at wildlife and geology which takes place on October 6.

On October 9, there is also the opportunity to cycle throughout the RSPB Black Devon Wetlands and Skinflats reserves as riders get to see what birds are present in the area.

Other highlights of the calendar include a short walk along the Forth with stunning views of the three bridges on October 16, a cycle ride between Dunfermline and Culross on October 13 and a celebration family event based at Pittencrief Park, Dunfermline, on October 19.

Trail guides for all the routes, plus a bonus round the Forth ninth route, incorporating elements from all the trails, will be available to download from the website, along with GPX files to help people navigate the routes from their smart phone or GPS devices.

The Wanderings and Windings project, led by Inner Forth Futures, has been funded through a £47,000 award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with an overall value of £67,000.

The routes use existing paths and tracks to encourage local people and visitors to the area to explore the landscape and discover some of the many hidden gems to be found around the Inner Forth.

They include nature hotspots, historic buildings, riverside views, cultural landmarks or simply places to escape from the bustle of urban life.

Anyone interested in any of the above events can find more details about the events and how to book at the Inner Forth Futures website at innerforthlandscape.co.uk/about/wanderings-windings

Meanwhile, for those who can't make it to an event, but would still like to get more involved, IFF have a Facebook Group called Inner Forth Wanderings and Windings, which can joined by request.

For more information, contact the Inner Forth Futures team, info@innerforthlandscape.co.uk, telephone 01324 831 568.