AN attempt steer off-road cyclists away from the Malvern Hills has been launched by the organisation responsible for the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Erosion caused by riders using the hills has prompted the AONB to created two new map packs highlighting alternative tracks available in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The initiative was welcomed by Malvern Hills Conservators, whose spokeswoman Valerie Whittaker said: "We've had problems with cyclist in the past, especially on the ridge of the hills which was in danger of erosion.

"We do issue a code of conduct for cyclists asking them to keep to bridleways because the majority of the hills are of special scientific interest.

"We ask them not to cycle on the ridge, because that's not a bridleway, or on other grass paths, to prevent damage to the hills. When they are on the bridle paths we ask them to slow down at corners and to give way to horse riders and pedestrians."

Ms Whittaker said the AONB's new off-road trails would take the pressure off the hills.

"I think they'll be very good," she said. "They certainly have the support of the Conservators."

The new map packs were launched by David Armitage, chairman of the AONB's joint advisory committee, at the Talbot Inn, Knightwick, on Wednesday, July 17.

Each contains six or eight trails which have been graded according to length and degree of difficulty by the Cycling Touring Club. They follow rights of ways, bridleways and unadopted roads.

AONB Project officer David Armitage said: "The maps are to encourage people to appreciate that there are other areas other than the Malvern Hills to do off-road cycling. We feel that people don't realise the beauties of the surrounding countryside."

One of the easiest routes is a 15km trail around the woods of Ledbury and old railway line, which also offers the option of visiting Eastnor Castle.

Others take in Leigh Brook, the Frome Valley and Gloucester Canal, Castlemorton Common and Elgar's Grave and Upton and Dunster Ruin. Pubs, shops and sights of interest are also featured, along with information on public transport.

The packs are £2.99 each, with a donation going towards the development of more trails in the area. They are available from tourist information centres, Worcestershire County Council's countryside parks provision, the AONB office on Grange Road, Malvern, or by calling 01684 560616.