National Parks Week

Please note this post is outdated, dates will change.

National Parks Week is one of the ways in which national park authorities raise awareness of Britain’s national parks.  The park authority of the Peak District runs a series of events across national park week to highlight to the general public the wide range of activities that they can get involved in.

Park rangers have a fantastic knowledge of the Peak District National Park, and are therefore a fantastic source of information for visitors.  Tuesday the 30^th of July will see some of the park rangers take visitors on a 3 mile walk through the countryside.  The walk will be cover good terrain and is suitable for the whole family.  There will also be a series of activities on offer for children between the ages of 5-11.  The meeting point is the playground in the centre of Middleton, and booking is advised.

Another walk aimed at children takes place on Wednesday the 31^st of July.  This walk allows visitors to explore the fantastic natural scenery of Tideswell Dale and covers a total distance of two miles.  Those who wish to attend should arrive at Tideswell Dale car park at 11am. 

Thursday the 1^st of August provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about cycling within the Peak District as well as being able to spend part of the day cycling.  The day aims to provide visitors with an introduction to mountain biking and staff from the centre take visitors on a guided 11 mile bike ride.  There is also the opportunity to learn about bike maintenance and off road handling.  The meeting point is at Derwent cycle hire which is next to the Fairholmes visitor centre.  Visitors can opt to bring a bike or can hire one from the cycle centre.

The 1^st of August also is a great day for those interested in exploring one of the most beautiful areas for plant life in the park.  Park staff are on offer to walk visitors around Hurdlow meadows.  Ranger Steven Bell guides the walk and can offer a great insight into local folklore and conservation.  Those who plan on attending should meet in Hurdlow car park at 1.30pm.

Visitors have a fantastic opportunity on the 3^rd of August to visit one of the Peak Districts most iconic land marks, Kinder Scout.  Ranger will be leading a guided walk for 9 miles, whilst explaining to visitors about traditional moorland management.  The walk itself is characterised as being strenuous and there are a number of steep climbs.  The meeting point for the hike is at the Bowden Bridge car park at 10.30am.

The Peak District National Park week concludes on Sunday the 4^th August.  Staff from the park authority are laying on a day of family orientated fun on this day, which can be enjoyed by people of all ages.  There are also a number of activities that visitors can get involved in.  These include practicing fire fighting skills as well as practicing building dry stone walls.  Park staff from the cycle centre are also on hand to advise visitors on cycling within the park, as well as advice on bike maintenance.  The learning and discovery team are also on hand to teach children about the wildlife within the park.  The family fun day is at the Castleton visitor centre.