EASING of COVID-19 restrictions and some magnificent autumn weather have encouraged locals to rediscover walking tracks around the Warby-Ovens National Park - or even traverse them for the first time.

Warby Range Bushwalkers Club member Chris McLaughlin said he had noticed an increase in visitation in recent weeks, as residents enjoyed the chance to get out while still staying fairly close to home.

“We were up at Mt Glenrowan a couple of weeks back, and counted 18 people; I’ve never seen that number of people there at once,” Mr McLaughlin said.