SOME argue that Weardale is one of the undervalued gems of the North-East but it really does offer so wonderful countryside.

This week's Country Walk with Mark Reid takes us to Stanhope, the capital of Weardale, and it is well worth a visit.

Stanhope is an historic place, closely associated with the Prince Bishops, and still littered with the remains of lead and iron ore mines.

It was granted a market charter in 1421 and remains a place to shop and potter around as well as walk.

Mark Reid, our Country Walks writer, has produced 17 successful walking guidebooks, including the acclaimed ‘Inn Way’ and ‘Walking Weekends’ series covering all of the national parks of Northern England.

He is also a Mountain Leader and Outdoor Instructor and offers map reading courses, navigation skills weekends, guided walks and outdoor adventures in the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District and beyond.

As always when venturing out for a country walk, make sure you are wrapped up warm.

And to find out more about Mark Reid's walks, click here.