Advanced warning!
National Parks' Week 2008 will run from Monday 28 July - Sunday 3 August.
This special week aims to raise awareness of the reasons for the existence of national parks, and to celebrate their beauty, diversity and the opportunities they offer everyone to enjoy their special qualities. This year's week will take local food, drink and crafts as its main theme. To find out more about Dales food and drink visit www.yorkshiredales.org/madeDelicious.
There will be a packed programme of events taking place in national parks across the country. Take a look at at the Events search page of the National Parks Portal.
Here in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, we've also got plenty on offer. Take a look at the list below.
Go on a guided walk and explore the National Park:
Wednesday 30 July, 1-3.30pm
- Leadmining around Langthwaite - Discovery walk.
An easy three mile (4.8km) walk looking at the mining industry of Arkengarthdale. Start point: Langthwaite Red Lion Inn, Langthwaite. Call 01748 884059 for details.
Thursday 31 July, 2-4pm
- Wildlife of Snaizeholme - Guided walk.
A gentle 1.5 mile (2.4km) walk with a National Park Ranger who will help you spot the tracks and signs of local wildlife. Booking essential. Start point: Snaizeholme Mirkpot House. Call 01969 666210 for details.
Thursday 31 July, 12.30-4.30pm
- East Cowgill Circular - Guided walk.
This six mile (9.6km) moderate walk follows the valley of the River Dee to Arten Gill and the Coal road. Start point: Dent station. Call 01969 666210 for details.
Sunday 3 August, 12.15-2.45pm
- History of Grinton Mines - Discovery walk.
A moderate three mile (4.8km) walk looking at the history and old workings of the Grinton system of lead mines. Start point: Grinton Youth Hostel. Call 01748 884059 for details.
Find out what it’s like to be a National Park Ranger by spending a day out looking at recent projects:
Tuesday 29 July, 11am-3pm
- A Trip out with a Ranger.
What is it like to be a National Park Ranger? Take a Swaledale tour on our minibus with local ranger James Lamb. Discover places of local interest and recent National Park projects. Booking essential. Start point: Reeth National Park Centre. Call 01748 884059 for details.
For the the young or even the young at heart, there's also plenty on offer:
Wednesday 30 July, 12-2pm
- Teddy Bears Picnic.
Bring your teddy bear and a picnic for a couple of hours fun and games, to include a short trail. (Children under 16 must be accompanied). Location: Grassington Grassington National Park car park. Call 01756 751690 for details.
Wednesday 30 July, 2-4pm
- 'Discover & Do'
Childrens craft activity afternoon at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes. Make a collage and find out more about the flowers in our hay meadows. Only suitable for children over the age of 8. Booking essential. Call 01969 666210 for details.
Thursday 31 July, 12-2pm
- Teddy Bears Picnic.
Bring your teddy bear and a picnic for a couple of hours fun and games, to include a short trail. (Children under 16 must be accompanied). Location: Malham National Park Centre. Call 01969 652380 for details.
Friday 1 August, 2-3pm
- Storytelling at the Dales Countryside Museum.
Drop in storytelling for all the family.Call 01969 666210 for details.
And for those with an interest in countryside skills, crafts and nature, the following may be of interest:
Tuesday 29 July, 2-4pm
- Drystone walling demonstraton at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes.
Call 01969 666210 for details.
Saturday 2 August, 8.30pm to midnight
- Moth trapping and identification.
Area Ranger and Dales Volunteers will locate several light traps on the reserve and identify the moths attracted in. This will be an opportunity for anyone with an interest to come to this Local Nature Reserve and see just what is around in the way of insect life. Location: Killington New Bridge Local Nature Reserve. Meet on the roadside to the south of the road bridge. Call 01969 666210 for details.
Sunday 3 August, 10am- 4pm
- Rag Rug making demonstration, display and 'have a go' at the Dales Countryside Museum.
Call 01969 666210 for details.
Full details of all the above events are available from our National Park Centres or by searching our local events database (opens in new window) on the Yorkshire Dales Tourism website (opens in new window).
