Jump in with both feet

10th August 2010

JUMP IN WITH BOTH FEET

Unusual sole-searching activities are set to fill the summer holidays this year.

Nordic walking, geo trailing, a hawk walk and bush tucker trail are just some of the activities on offer across Northumberland from Saturday 28 August to Sunday 5 September during Footfest – a celebration of everything that can be done on your feet.

Kielder Partnership and Northumberland National Park have joined forces to provide ‘the ultimate activity festival’.

Visitors will be able to try their hand at archery, a state of the art climbing wall and orienteering. For children in particular, there’s a chance to get up close and personal with the county’s unique wildlife with a variety of nature walks, safaris, falconry lessons and hawk walks.

Kim Hobson, of Northumberland National Park, said: “What better way for kids to end the school holidays than discovering monster machines, mountain biking and a whole host of wildlife right on their doorstep. We’re inviting everyone to find their feet at Kielder and Northumberland National Park – there really is something to suit all tastes.”

Shona Hendrick, events and activities development officer for Kielder Partnership, added: “This year we decided to team up and offer much more than walking events, across two of the most beautiful locations in the north east.

“The events are not just for children; if you passion is art, history or wildlife, there will be exclusive opportunities to pick the brains of your favourite expert. Or if you fancy a challenge, test your endurance on the 26 mile Kielder Challenge Walk around the Lakeside Way.”

The week long programme of activities take place at various locations across Kielder Water & Forest Park and Northumberland National Park. For full details on all the activities click here.

Kielder Water & Forest Park, which spans 250 square miles, is home to the largest forest in England and the largest man-made lake in northern Europe. It was voted the most tranquil place in England by the Campaign to Protect Rural England. 

Adjoining Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland National Park cares for the natural and cultural heritage of 405 square miles (105,000 hectares) of Northumberland’s unspoilt landscape from Hadrian’s Wall to the Scottish border. The Park boasts the high Cheviot and Simonside Hills, heather moors and the country’s cleanest rivers. There are 1100 kilometres of footpaths - including two national trails and a number of long distance walking, cycling and horse riding trails and a protected habitat for our rich native wildlife.

ENDS

For more information contact Philippa Clark, communications advisor (Kielder Water & Forest Park), on 0191 301 5538, 07970 897 756 or philippa.clark@nwl.co.uk.

Notes to editor:

The Kielder Partnership is a public, voluntary and private sector collaboration working to develop Kielder Water & Forest Park as an inspirational place for leisure, exploration and fun.

Partners are Calvert Trust Kielder, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, Northumberland County Council, Northumbrian Water plus representation from community groups. Northumberland Wildlife Trust is an associate member.

Northumberland National Park Authority’s work includes protecting the landscape from inappropriate development and maintaining the infrastructure that helps people access the countryside. It conserves natural and historical features that are tourist assets to the local and regional economy; supports the local community and businesses with advice, expertise and grant funding, and helps to promote the area to visitors. The Authority is committed to making Northumberland National Park a low carbon environment.