The World Cup has begun, but there is still plenty to enjoy outdoors this weekend if you want to avoid watching a batch of cheating prima donnas falling over at the slightest brush of an opponent breathing heavy in their vicinity. Let’s enjoy the weather while we can and see what else we can do.

Down in Herford this weekend and all next week too it’s the annual Walking Festival. There are plenty of opportunities to sample Hertfordshire’s countryside, taking a leisurely walk along the riverbank before a pub lunch, or walking in the footsteps of King Offa and King Ethelbert. There are walks for all abilities and all the family can get involved.

In you are in the Pendle area tomorrow you might meet up with a few walkers weaving from side to side as it is the sixth annual Pendle Pub Walk rising money for the Pendleside Hospice. Here’s the proposed route so if you see them pop a few pennies in the hat as it is a worthwhile cause. From The Pendle Inn (Barley) - through the countryside to The Bay Horse (Roughlee) - through the countryside to The Rising Sun (Blacko) - through the countryside to The Cross Gaits (Blacko) - mix of countryside and roads to The Old Bridge Inn (Barrowford) - along the river to The George & Dragon (Barrowford) - along the road to The White Bear (Barrowford) - along the road to The Bombay Lounge (Barrowford) & The Lamb WMC (Barrowford) - along the road to The Sparrowhawk (Fence) - along the road to The White Swan (Fence) - along the road to The Fence Gate (Fence) - through the countryside to The Fours Alls (Higham) - through the countryside back to The Pendle Inn (Barley)

Down on Bristol’s Harbourside the UK’s leading nature festival returns for a tenth year with a host of new exhibitors and activities for the whole family to enjoy A free festival celebrating the natural world. As the one and only Chris Packham was quoted as saying "There are no excuses. If it rains, get a raincoat and your wellies on. If it's cold put on a fleece. It's really important you get out there any enjoy all of this wildlife: it is free. And there is one other thing, a personal plea. Please make sure that you get some kids out there. They've got to ignite that little spark in their hearts which will fuel a lifelong passion for wildlife. And perhaps this summer, if just one or two kids get out into the great British countryside and meet it, they might be the Attenboroughs of tomorrow. Wouldn't that be good?"

So you can’t get a better recommendation than that, so get your gear together and get outside this weekend, and as always, if you have an event coming up or that you have attended let us know.