Former Norfolk County Council trails officer Tim Lidstone-Scott has stepped out on his own – launching his own business WalkNorfolk.

His aim is to provide bespoke walks and cycle routes for tourism businesses and individuals as well as organising corporate and networking events in the countryside.

Mr Lidstone-Scott, 59, of Wood Norton, near Fakenham, said: 'Having spent 30 years leading the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path national trail team I know just how wonderful the Norfolk countryside is with a great range of walking and cycling routes.

'Some of these routes are the well-known Norfolk trails but there are plenty of hidden gems that will lead the 'explorer' through a countryside rich with medieval churches, woodland and ancient hedges far from the madding crowd.'

He said he was keen to make walking easy and fun even for people who might not be good with maps or familiar with the county.

'If you don't know Norfolk, how will you know whether it is going to be a good walk? - That's where I come in,' he said.

Mr Lidstone-Scott has already begun working with tourism businesses, using his knowledge and research to create branded walking and cycling routes which they can offer their customers.

He said: 'These routes can form part of an itinerary for customers, encouraging them to visit local pubs and cafes as well as explore the local countryside.

'A lot of research has shown what people love to do when they are on holiday in the countryside is to walk and to eat.'

He is also offering his service to individuals, families or groups coming on holiday, tailoring walks from the accommodation where they will be staying.

For businesses he is proposing corporate away days in the countryside, including walks which he will lead.

He said: 'Research from the US shows that creativity increases by as much as 60pc when walking; Steve Jobs, the late co-founder of Apple, was known for his walking meetings.

'So WalkNorfolk encourages businesses to get out and walk to solve a problem or for a networking event with a difference.'

For details, visit www.walknorfolk.org.uk