A new guide to trails in the North York Moors has been published - despite a foot and mouth outbreak in the heart of the national park.

But farming leaders say they will have to accept the influx of walkers which it might bring, as the guide is designed not to bring people into contact with high-risk areas.

The guide, published by the Yorkshire Tourist Board, lists 13 routes, from short strolls to full-day walks, covering 80 miles of the national park.

The board claims that each route has been rigorously checked to minimise the risk of spreading foot and mouth.

None of the routes lie near the moors community of Westerdale, where three cases of foot and mouth were confirmed this week.

Derek Watson, York County Chairman of the National Farmers' Union, said farmers had reluctantly accepted the fact that the tourist industry needed to bolster visitor numbers in the park.

"This is a very difficult matter," he added.

"There does need to be a balance between the needs of farmers and the tourist industry, which we accept is under so many pressures.

"No new footpaths have been opened on the moors since Westerdale, and so we are having to reluctantly accept the current situation."

North Yorkshire County Council estimates that the county's tourism industry is losing roughly £1 million a day because of the crisis.

The tourist board's visitor information hotline, 01904 773399, provides details of the routes and of attractions which are open.

You can also visit the board's website at: www.yorkshirevisitor.com

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire County Council today confirmed it was opening more rights of way in the county.

The reopened routes include those lying near the York outer ring road from its junction with the A59 to its junction with the A19, up the A19 to Thirsk, and out along the A170 to Scarborough.

Footpaths along the A59 from York to the A1 have also been reopened, as have those bordering the A1 down to Wetherby.

* Copies of the guide from are available at the Helmsley tourist information centre, telephone 01439 770173, or from the Moors Centre on 01287 660654.

Updated: 10:29 Friday, June 15, 2001