National Parks' Week 2009 will run from Monday 27 July to Sunday 2 August.
This year’s National Parks’ Week promises to be bigger and better than ever with a host of exciting events for everyone to enjoy.
Dedicated to raising public awareness of Britain’s National Parks, the week celebrates their beauty, diversity and the wide range of opportunities they offer for recreation and enjoyment.
For details of the huge range of events being held all over the country - many of them free - visit www.nationalparks.gov.uk.
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of 1949 Act which paved the way for the creation of the UK's 14 National Parks, as well as 49 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the theme this year is the history and future of our National Parks. A new website has been created to mark this special diamond anniversary year: www.diamondsinthelandscape.org.uk
With information about our protected areas, the website also includes details of more than forty spectacular walks. Free downloadable maps and easy to follow descriptions are listed along with details of public transport available, parking and refreshments nearby. There is a wide variety of trails available; some easy and suitable for a family and some more challenging for those who want to stretch their legs.
Here in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, we've got plenty on offer. Whether you want to visit old leadmines, get crafty, or get wild about wildlife, there's somethiing for you.
Join a guided walk into some of our spectacular countryside:
Wednesday 29 July
From the Tropics to the Arctic: Discovery Walk
Meet at the Village Inn, Austwick (Grid SD 767 685). 11:00 to 16:00. On this 6.5 mile (10km) walk discover the evidence of amazing climatic variations over the millennia. Please avoid parking in the village centre - roadside parking near Austwick Bridge (Grid SD 769 682). No dogs allowed. Contact Settle Tourist Information Centre.
Thursday 30 July
East Cowgill Circular: Guided Walk
Meet at Dent Railway Station (postcode LA10 5RF). 12:30 to 16:30. This moderate 6 mile (9.6km) walk follows the valley of the River Dee to Arten Gill and the Coal Road. Accessible by public transport. Contact Hawes National Park Centre.
Delve into the past:
Tuesday 28 July
“We Plough the Fields and Scatter” Guided Walk
Meet at Grassington National Park Centre. 11:00 to 15:00. A moderate 6 mile (10km) circular walk to see the impact and consider the consequences of human activity on the landscape of the Dales. Accessible by public transport. No dogs allowed. Contact Grassington National Park Centre.
Wednesday 29 July
Leadmining in Wensleydale: Guided Walk
Meet at Ballowfield car park, 1.5 miles west of Carperby (Grid SD 985 899). 13:00 to 15:30. A moderate 4 mile (6.4km) walk looking at the mining industries of Wensleydale. Accessible by public transport. No dogs allowed. Contact Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre.
Saturday 1 August
Exploring Gunnerside Gill: Guided Walk
Meet at parking area between bridge and post office in Gunnerside. 11:00 to 15:30. A moderate 7 mile (10.5km) walk exploring as far as Blakethwaite Smelt Mill, returning by a mid level route with fine views. Contact Reeth National Park Centre.
Sunday 2 August
Hawes Rural Heritage Trail: Guided Walk
Meet at Hawes National Park Centre. 11:00 to 15:30. A moderate 7 mile (11km) walk through fields and along old bridleways picking out signs of old industries and rural methods. Accessible by public transport. No dogs allowed. Contact Hawes National Park Centre.
Get wild about wildlife:
Wednesday 29 July
Woodland and Grassland Creatures
Meet at Cavendish Pavilion, Bolton Abbey. 10:30 to 16:00. Come and join us to find out more about the minibeasts that live in Strid Wood and surrounding grasslands. Accessible by public transport. Free drop-in event. No dogs allowed. Contact Grassington National Park Centre.
Thursday 30 July
Wildlife of Snaizeholme: Discovery Walk
Meet at Mirkpot House, Snaizeholme, Hawes (Grid SD 828 871). 14:00 to 16:00. A gentle 1.5 mile (2.4km) walk with a National Park Ranger spotting the tracks and signs of local wildlife. Bring binoculars. Half of the proceeds will be donated to support conservation work in Snaizeholme. No dogs allowed. Contact Hawes National Park Centre.
Friday 31 July
Grassland Creatures
Meet at Malham National Park Centre. 10:30 to 16:00. Come and join us to find out more about the minibeasts that live in the grassland and woodland areas around Malham. Suitable for young families. Accessible by public transport. Free drop-in event. No dogs allowed. Contact Malham National Park Centre.
For the younger visitor:
Wednesday 29 July
Discover and Do
Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes. 14:00 to 16:00. Children's craft activity afternoons. Maximum number 12. Accessible by public transport. Admission: £3. No dogs allowed. Contact Hawes National Park Centre.
Sunday 2 August
The Cove: Guided Walk
Meet at Malham National Park Centre. 14:00 to 16:00. An easy 3 mile (5km) walk to Malham Cove to learn about why Malham is special. Suitable for young families. Accessible by public transport. Contact Malham National Park Centre.
Full details of all the above events are available from our National Park Centres or by searching the local events database.
