Adventures for the non-adventurous and adventurous alike

National Parks Week, the annual celebration of Britain’s breathing spaces, is all set to take place between Monday July 25 and Sunday July 31, and this year the theme is ‘adventure’.

Sarah Fowler, chief executive of the Peak District National Park, said: “Adventures come in different forms so whether you’re a thrill seeker or are looking for something a little less energetic we’re encouraging people to get out and discover our incredible landscapes – there really is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Family Adventure
For ideas for fun outdoor adventures for all the family during National Parks’ Week, call in at Castleton Visitor Centre on Tuesday July 26 and Saturday July 30, between 10am and 4pm.

Take to the Trails for a family adventure on foot or two wheels – explore the National Park along historic former railway lines. Choose from the scenic High Peak Trail 17 miles, picturesque Tissington Trail 13 miles, or the magnificent Monsal Trail and tunnels (8.5 miles).

Quirky Adventure
Stay at Stanage – book a night in a camping pod or bring your own tent to experience nature’s peace and quiet at North Lees campsite near the famous Stanage Edge. Great for walking, climbing and bird watching. Look out for North Lees Hall – the Elizabethan tower house that inspired Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.

Guided-walk Adventure
Tuesday July 26 Walking with Elves? A seven miles walk with archaeologist John Barnatt, across the higher parts of the limestone plateau, taking in prehistoric round barrows and stock enclosures on Eldon Hill, the ‘Hill of the Elves’, together with lead mining and lime kilns.

Sunday July 31 Bleaklow Summit A nine mile expedition across high moorland to visit the iconic summit of Bleaklow. Far reaching views and distant vistas are the reward for this challenging trek.

Sunday July 31 More Than a Plague A five mile historical odyssey through Eyam and Stoney Middleton looking at the factors which have influenced change over the centuries and delving into the traditions of the area.

Sunday July 31 Waymarkers of the Eastern Moors A ten mile challenging walk across Big Moor to explore and identify guide stoops, the ancient way-markers and to learn about old transport routes that criss-crossed the spectacular Eastern Moors estate.

People’s adventures may be closer than they think as the Peak District National Park reaches into five counties: Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester. It is the most accessible national park being close to Manchester, Sheffield, Derby and Stoke.

In Britain, National Parks are areas of specially protected countryside that everyone can visit for a great day out or to stay for longer, where people live, work and shape the landscape. The Peak District National Park was the first UK National Park to be designated in 1951.

There are 15 members of the UK’s National Parks family: the Broads, Brecon Beacons, Cairngorms, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs and Yorkshire Dales.

For inspiration on how to make the most of National Parks or to find out more about National Parks Week, visit www.NationalParks.gov.uk/visiting/National-Parks-week