THE stunning splendour of apple and fruit tree blossom in a beautiful English village, relaxing in the gardens of a pleasing teashop watching the world go by, the exhilaration of strolling in clear fresh air on a green hillside - these are a few of author Roger Noyce's favourite things.

And he is sharing the delights of 20 countryside rambles in a new book entitled Worcestershire Teashop Walks. Included are picturesque saunters around Broadway, Evesham and Pershore as well as more ambitious treks on the Malvern, Lickey and Clent Hills.

The Alcester author said: "There can be few greater pleasures in life than to relax with a cup of tea after a really good country walk."

A sketch map of the route and a photograph of the teashop accompany each description and there are also details on how to get to the start and where to park.

The walks vary in length from three to seven miles and are designed to be within the scope of the average person, including the not-so-young and family groups.

The Broadway ramble takes walkers over pastureland and Broadway Brook before leading them around woodland for a lovely view over the valley below the village. The walk continues over the typical Cotswold hillside with delightful views all the way. A quiet country lane leads to the visitor centre at Broadway Tower Country Park followed by a descent along the Cotswold Way back to the centre of the village.

Mr Noyce said: "A walk full of superb scenery with great views to enjoy."

He speaks of Evesham as a bustling historic town, which is a delight to meander through. Mr Noyce says the half-timbered archway by All Saints Church and the beautiful grounds are not to be missed, neither is the Bell Tower, the 15th century Almonry or the clock tower in Market Place. Hampton Ferry is also featured along the four-mile walk.

Pershore's near seven-mile walk guides the enthusiast through fruit fields and Tyddesley Wood, taking in the scenic pleasures of the footpaths along the River Avon.

Mr Noyce said: "Throughout the walk

the vision of the superb Pershore Abbey is never far away."

At each venue the author extols the virtues of teashops along the way from an old bakehouse to the cloisters of Worcester cathedral.

Roger Noyce is an experienced rambler with a wide knowledge of Britain footpaths. He is also the author of a number of popular walking guides including Waterside Walks in Staffordshire, Pub Strolls Around Bristol and Bath and Pub Strolls in Worcestershire.

The guides can be bought at £7.95p from all major bookshops, and some smaller independent ones, or directly from Countryside Books on 01635 43816.