Yes the weekend is here and with the weather set fair to roasting you have no excuse for making sure you get outside and enjoy the great outdoors this weekend. So here are a couple of options for you to consider across the country, and as National Parke Week begins next week you just might spot a theme!

Saturday 26th and in you are up in the Lake District why not get involved with the ‘Glorious Green Gable’. An opportunity to conquer three Wainwrights in a row; you will face a steep climb to Grey Knotts, then on to Brandreth and Green Gable’s summit, returning by Moses Trod. Starting at 10.30am at the Hinister NT carpark there is no charge but donations are welcome, and well behaved dogs on leads are allowed to take part, so pack your gear and add three more Wainwrights to your list in just over five hours as you complete this 5.3 mile walk.

Over in the Peak District they are running a guided walk on Saturday, starting at 10.15am and finishing around 3.00pm, covering around eight miles of the moorlands to introduce the area, its wildlife, amazing views and the history of the Buxton coalfields. Starting and more importantly ending at the Cat and Fiddle Pub, this could turn into a complete day out.

A little bit further south and on Exmoor they are undertaking the Ralegh’s Cross Family Walk, starting at 2.00pm from the pub, so a chance of some lunch and refreshment before you begin. It will visit Beulah Chapel, The Winding House and the old Brendon Hill village. Mostly suitable for pushchairs this family based walk will include puzzles and a treasure hunt for the kids.

One big event taking place this weekend and officially marks the start of National Parks Week in the North Yorkshire Moors and that is ‘Parkfest’. This is a celebration of the very best of Britain’s countryside. The Moors National Park Centre at Danby (11:00 am – 4:30pm) is the venue for a full day of walks, talks, live music, and moorland crafts, as well as sheep-shearing and have-a-go archery. You will have the opportunity to chat to staff about the various National Park projects and to join in with a wide range of family activities as well. The Danelaw Living History Group will be here and you can take part in a spear and shield drill with a medieval soldier, learn how to dip a candles with 17th century farm workers and light a fire with a Viking or have your face painted by a Celtic warrior. And best of all its free.

So no excuses, I will be grabbing my Karrimor boots and heading for the hills close to me, although that Peak District walk is on my doorstep and is tempting, but whatever you get up to this weekend make sure you carry enough water and watch those temperatures. And let us know what you get up to, pictures are always appreciated , and who knows you just might feature in a future blog.