Celebrating 60 Years of National Parks and Access to the Countryside

Since prehistoric times, the great sandstone ridge of the Simonside Hills and the Coquet Valley below have echoed to the gathering of people for the summer solstice. This year, the first ever Rothbury and Coquetdale Midsummer Walking Festival will be drawing crowds of walkers and country-lovers to the this beautiful part of Northumberland National Park.

The new event in the walking calendar is one of a series of special activities in the National Park this year marking the 60th Anniversary of the Act of Parliament that brought National Parks, National Trails and Nature Reserves into being for people’s enjoyment (see notes below).

From Saturday 13th June until Saturday 20th June 2009, A wide range of guided walks from 3 to 12 miles, for all abilities and interests, will take place during the day and evening. The walks will be led by local experts including National Park Rangers, local guided walking businesses and trained volunteers, and will feature topics such as ancient haymeadows, bumblebees, birdlife, history, Christian heritage and some plain good stretches of the legs and lungs in the clean, clear air of this stunning open countryside.

Jon Monks from Shepherds Walks said: “It’s marvellous to have a real celebration in what I think is the finest area in the region. The variety of walks on offer for this festival is second to none and it will be a great time to come on holiday to the area”. Suggested donations for the walks range from £5 to £7 per person but are not obligatory, and all the money raised from the walking festival will go into the ‘Good Nature Fund’ for conservation projects in Northumberland National Park.

For more information visit www.rothburywalking.co.uk or call Shepherds Walks on 01830 540453 to receive a leaflet.