ABOUT NATIONAL PARKS

Wild, expansive moors, high rugged cliffs, picturesque rolling hills and stunningly beautiful coastline: these are only a few of the varied and dramatic features of Britain’s National Parks. Whether you’re admiring the majestic peaks of Snowdonia, horse riding across the romantic landscapes of Dartmoor or taking to the water in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, the National Parks will offer an exhilarating experience.

From rock climbing and mountain biking for the sports enthusiasts, to gentle rambles and fly-fishing if you prefer the more laid-back pace of life, the parks’ vast array of activities will provide an unforgettable adventure.

Exmoor

The tallest sea cliffs in England form the northern boundary of this smallest moorland park. The grass moor of the erstwhile Royal Forest is surrounded by heather-covered hills and wooded coombs. Bronze-Age burials, Roman fortlets, ironworks and medieval castles abound. The South West Coastal Path – a national trail – runs along the northern edge of the park.

Cairngorms

Britain’s largest National Park opened in September 2003. The Cairngorms area is an important and unique natural and biodiversity resource in the Central Highlands of Scotland. It displays a vast collection of landforms, more akin to arctic Canada, including four out of Scotland’s five highest mountains. It contains a quarter of Scotland’s native woodland and is a refuge for a host of rare plants and creatures, including a quarter of the UK’s threatened species.

Peak District

The Peak District lies at the Southern end of the Pennine Hills, between Sheffield and Manchester. Explore the hidden gems of the area, from the rugged heather-clad moorland of the Dark Peak, to the gently rolling dales of the White Peak. Visit Chatsworth House, castles, caves, river valleys, reservoirs, heritage sites and much, much more.

Yorkshire Dales

The Dales occupy the finest area of upland limestone country in Britain and possess a unique combination of both related and contrasting landscape features. Wild, expansive, tranquil and at times awesome and bleak, it is ideal for outdoor recreation or touring between the area’s many picture postcard towns and villages.

The Lake District

Wild, rugged and dramatic landscape in the central areas contrast with the softer, more rounded edges of the Lake District. Sixteen lakes are arranged like spokes of a wheel in this heartland. This imposing landscape has rich literary and artistic associations and comprises splendid walking and climbing – gentle on the lakeside and challenging uphill gradients.

Snowdonia

Rivers, lakes, waterfalls and remnants of ancient deciduous woodlands are typical of the park, as is the coast, with its sandy bays, dunes and the three beautiful estuaries – Glaslyn/Dwyryd, Mawddach and Dyfi. A rich variety of plants and wildlife mirrors the diversity of the landscape and the whole of the park is a stronghold of the Welsh language and way of life.

Date: 2016-04-22; view: 1004