Ramblers and power-walkers will be able to explore the coastline on their doorstep this half term through newly-opened walks created to draw visitors to the area.

The 20 circular trails, developed by Norfolk County Council, wind through varied landscapes and habitats, passing historic churches, pubs and cafés on the Norfolk Coast Path.

Based in the Cromer and Great Yarmouth areas, the trails range from one-mile ambles to strenuous hikes of up to nine miles - with one along the Cromer Ridge providing the greatest elevation in East Anglia.

The trails, which are sign-posted, come as part of two-year project Explore More Coast, designed to bring £500,000 of economic benefit to the area through a 20pc increase in visitor numbers, as well as the creation of 30 new indirect jobs and protection of 20 others.

It is hoped that as well as encouraging locals to venture out, the walks - which have been compiled into the National Trail: 20 Circular Walks guide - will attract new visitors to enjoy the county's natural and built heritage.

Margaret Dewsbury, chairman of the communities at the council, said: 'Through this guide, we have the opportunity to celebrate what Norfolk has to offer through its landscape, wildlife and heritage.

'Making more of the countryside accessible to walkers is so exciting and I hope families especially will enjoy the shorter walks – we have a beautiful county to explore.'

The scheme was funded by a share of £200,000 Coastal Communities Funding (CCF), which aims to boost local economies through environmental tourism.

Family-friendly walks include the West Runton Circular, a three-and-a-half-mile route along the base of Incleborough Hill which follows sunken pathways and reveals glimpses of the sea.

Near West Runton beach, rock pools can be explored, while at the fringes of East Runton, walkers pass between two railway viaducts, one of which is still in use today.

Copies of the trails guide are available at tourism information centres, while details can also be found at www.norfolktrails.co.uk

Do you have a tourism story? Email lauren.cope@archant.co.uk