SEVEN guided walks led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable local volunteers will take place next week in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The events are part of National Parks Week (July 24-30), an annual celebration of everything that is unique and wonderful about the UK’s 15 National Parks.

They are designed to showcase the best of the Yorkshire Dales, while raising money for The Three Peaks Project.

“Our guided walks are an opportunity for everyone to spend time in our stunning landscapes with friendly Dales volunteers,” said Catherine Kemp, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Education and Events Manager.

“Some of our volunteers have been involved in looking after the National Park for many years; there’s not much they don’t know about it.”

The seven walks are:

* Discover Aisgill Force, Tuesday 25th July 13:30 to 16:00. The Yorkshire Dales has great waterfalls; join Alastair Macintosh and Stuart Armstrong on an afternoon stroll from Hawes to find one of the loveliest. Book by calling 01969 666210

* Linton Heritage Trail, Tuesday 25th July 14:00 – 16:30. The Dales are connected to some of the great events of our past; join Mick Richings and Gwynneth Jackson and discover links to the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London. Call 01756 715690

* Kisdon Classic Circular, Thursday 27 July 11:00 – 16:00. Dales’ traditions have deep roots; join Clive Herdman and Jennifer Slater and spend a day walking along part of the Corpse Way over Kidson Hill. Call 01748 884059

* The Erratic Boulders of Norber & a Secret Dale, Saturday 29 July 11:00 – 15:30: The Yorkshire Dales’ limestone scenery is simply stunning; join Mike Pinder and Linda Hodson for a day out exploring our geological past. Call 01729 833200

* By Castle & Byway, Sunday 30 July 10:00 – 15:30: See castles set in gorgeous countryside; join Stuart Armstrong and John Turner for views of Bolton Castle and Aysgarth falls. Call 01969 662910

* Hawes Rural Heritage, Sunday 30 July 11:00 – 16:00. The Yorkshire Dales has an unexpected industrial past; walk with Alastair Macintosh and Margaret Emmott to find out more. Call 01969 666210

* Red squirrels and other wildlife of Snaizeholme, Tuesday 1 August 14:00 – 16:30. See very cute wildlife with Ian Court, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s wildlife conservation officer. Call 01969 666210

The walks can also be booked online: https://retail.yorkshiredales.org.uk/collections/walking

For adults there is a £5 charge. Children are free. No dogs. All the money raised goes to the Three Peaks Project, which supports footpath and access work on Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, mountains often walked by people raising money for charity.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority will be running a total of more than 80 guided walks in 2017, with 43 volunteer guided walk leaders. All the details can be found by visiting our What’s On diary: www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/events