Two regional interest magazines are to merge into a single monthly publication offfering what its publishers say will be a “wider range” of content.

Dalesman Publishing has annnounced that its Cumbria magazine is to incorporate sister title Lakeland Walker in a new monthly publication called Cumbria and Lakeland Walker.

Cumbria magazine was first published in 1947 while Lakeland Walker first appeared as a standalone title in 1996.

Now the two titles are coming together with the first edition of the new-look magazine, pictured below, to be published today.

Dalesman are promising the new format will have extra pagination and additional content encompassing the county of Cumbria, including its culture, customs, heritage, artisan producers, towns, villages and walking in the area.

The new magazine will also feature four-full page guided walks in each monthly issue, written by professional ramblers, mountaineers and photographers.

Managing director David Proud said: “We aim to offer readers a wider range of articles and interesting material to entertain, whilst maintaining our traditional coverage of all Cumbria and Lake District interests previously in our two magazines.”

Editor Mick Smith added: “ A bright new day is about to dawn for Cumbria and Lakeland Walker magazine.  All of Cumbria’s favourite writers will still feature, but they will now be joined by new ones, as we explore more of what the county has to offer.

“Our new format and increased pagination mean we can do more of what our readers want – bringing this corner of the country to life through peerless prose and stunning photography.”

Regular contributor, filmmaker Terry Abraham said: “Times change ‘so they say’ and now we’re about to embark on a new chapter for this historic publication.

“I’m both excited and proud to be part of it as usual and I hope viewers will continue to enjoy my monthly photography and tales when out and about in the dales and fells.”