It looks like Summer has finally arrived, so what better time to get out of the house and enjoy some walking in of the country’s fifteen National Parks, from beautiful areas of mountains, meadows, moorlands, woods and wetlands. These are areas of protected countryside that everyone can visit, but there are areas where people still live, work and help to shape the landscape, with each area backed up by an organisation that helps to look after the landscape and wildlife and helps people to enjoy and learn more about the local area.

With this in mind the Parks organise numerous events throughout the year, but at this time of year you will find more events organised right across the network of National Parks and here is a selection of what is happening over the next week,

This Sunday June 28th you could find yourself in the Lake District so join the rangers as they take a linear walk through the stunning Borrowdale valley from Seatoiler to Grange, then along the Cathells terrace or lakeshore paths to Nicol End. You can then take a leisurely cruise or walk back to Keswick. AA moderate walk of 6.8 miles with hilly ground with rising and falling levels, so a reasonable level of fitness is required, and remember to dress appropriate with walking boots an essential item.

For those who fancy something a little less strenuous then down in Dartmoor there is a family Fun Day at the Orchard Millennium Green in Buckfastleigh. This afternoon event sees a variety of stalls with food, a bouncy castle, soft play area, and both children and adult races, including the annual Duck Race.

Wednesday evening sees a Romantic Evening Ramble taking place on the North Yorkshire Moors. Starting and more importantly finishing at The Moors Inn at Appleton, you will be required to remove shoes and socks and carry your loved one over a ford in completing this 3.75 mile walk. En-route you pass Appleton Mill where water power has been harnessed since Norman times.

So, wherever you are in the UK you are never far from a National Park, so why not see what is happening at your local National Park, grab your walking boots and get involved and make the most of the weather.