National Parks Week 2012
Issued: 21 May 2012
The Olympic torch is set to shine a light on the 15 members of the UK National Parks family as it makes its way through some of the most stunning countryside in Britain in May, June and July.
The Olympic Torch’s journey, which kicks off this week at Land’s End on May 19 and finishes at the Olympic stadium in London on July 27, will pass through or near all of our UK National Parks ‘winning landscapes’ - showcasing some of our natural national treasures along the way.
The Olympic torchbearers’ route will include a journey to the peak of Snowdon, in Snowdonia National Park, a trip across the beautiful North York Moors National Park by steam train and an open-top bus ride in the Lake District National Park.
Kathryn Cook, of the UK Association of National Park Authorities, said: “The National Parks are looking forward to playing their part in celebrating this special year and hope that visitors who are here for the London 2012 Games will be able to take the time to come and enjoy our winning landscapes where they will receive a warm welcome.”
Although the torch-bearers will have to speed through each of the Parks – all members of our UK National Parks family – we think they’re worth a longer visit. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting one to watch the Olympic flame pass by, here are 15 ideas to help you make the most of your National Park day:
May 21 - Dartmoor National Park
Take a trip to… an ancient stone circle - bronze age circle, stones, menhirs and burial chambers, for the inner archaeologist in you:
http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/visiting/historicplaces/dm-historicplace1.htm
May 22 - Exmoor National Park
Celebrate International Day of Biodiversity by Exploring Exmoor’s Restored Mires, more details here:
http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/visiting/events
May 25 - Brecon Beacons National Park
Mess about in a boat… along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, which is celebrating its 200 anniversary this year (boat hire & trips in Brecon)
http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/lookingafter/historicenvironments/historicplaces/bb-historicplace2.htm
May 27 - Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Step back in time… at an Iron Age fort, Castell Henllys in Pembrokeshire. There are regular fun interactive tours for kids - wode face-painting optional!
http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/visiting/historicplaces/pc-historicplace1.htm
May 28 - Snowdonia National Park
Get out and about… on an accessible walk (tramper hire/mobility hire optional) along the beautiful Mawddach Trail near Dolgellau
http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/visiting/outdooractivities/accessforall/accessible-snowdonia.htm
June 9 - Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Become an ‘island detective’…take the boat to Inchcailloch on Loch Lomond to uncover the story the people who once lived on this beautiful island (NB not just for kids!)
http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/learningabout/teachersarea/activitysearch/ac_llt_islanddetectives.htm
June 11 - Cairngorms National Park
Go nature-spotting in the Highlands… on a moderate low-level walk around Grantown-on-Spey (various waymarked trails) - look out for red squirrels and capercaillie on walk no. 5 of our top 15 UK National Parks walks.
http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/visiting/outdooractivities/top_15_national_park_walks.htm
June 16 - Northumberland National Park
Think horrible histories…and rotten Romans, visiting Hadrian’s Wall, one of the UK’s most important Roman monuments. Need we say more?
http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/nb-historicplace1
June 18 - North York Moors National Park
Follow in the footsteps of Captain Cook… with a walk along part of the Cleveland Way that takes in his old school at Great Ayton (walk no. 9 of our top 15 UK National Park walks).
http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/visiting/outdooractivities/top_15_national_park_walks.htm
Find out more about Captain Cook here: http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/ch_nym_historical
June 20 - Yorkshire Dales National Park
Ride the rails…on the Settle-Carlisle railway which passes over the spectacular 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct. A trip to thrill kids big and small.
http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/yd-historicplace1
June 21 - Lake District National Park
Be inspired by romantic poetry…of William Wordsworth, visiting the Jerwood Centre in Grassmere which houses collection of his books and memorabilia.
http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/ch_ld_historical
June 29 - Peak District National Park
Get stately…with a visit to Chatsworth House, one of the best-loved stately homes in Britain - don’t forget its gardens, designed by Capability Brown.
http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/ch_pd_historical
July 4 - The Broads
Go boating…in the Broads, discovering Barton Broad either by accessible solar-powered boat or on foot along a boardwalk. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife.
http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/visiting/outdooractivities/accessforall/accessible-broads.htm
July 14 - New Forest National Park
Go down to the woods…for an easy walk, and a sensory trail among exotic trees on the Blackwater Arboretum Trail in the New Forest (no. 2 of our top 15 UK National Park walks).
http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/visiting/outdooractivities/top_15_national_park_walks.htm
July 16 - South Downs National Park
Think long and hard…about the Long Man of Wilmington, the mysterious 235ft long chalk figure on the slopes of Windover Hill. No one really knows why it’s there or how old it is - it’s a mystifying and mystic place!
http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/visiting/historicplaces/sd-historicplace1.htm
Notes to editors:
- There are 15 Members of the National Park Family - 14 National Parks; Brecon Beacons, Cairngorms, Dartmoor, Exmoor, The Lake District, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, The New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, The Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs and The Yorkshire Dales; and the Broads which has equivalent status to a National Park.
For more information, please contact:
Clare O’Connor
External Relations Manager
Tel: 01392 861931
Email: info@anpa.gov.uk
