The New Forest National Park could be an ideal destination for both keen ramblers who are intent on treading some of the country’s scenic routes as well as families seeking an idyllic and peaceful getaway at any time of the year.

As a walking location, the New Forest is up there with the likes of the Peak District, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales in terms of popularity as it offers a wide range of trails and paths of varying levels of difficulty and length to suit ramblers of all ages and abilities.

However, the Hampshire region could also be considered as a primary location for any family or party of friends wanting to get away from it all at any stage of the year thanks to its vast array of activities and amenities.

According to the Hampshire County Council’s website, the area offers visitors the opportunity to explore “heathland, ancient woodland, wetlands and grassy plains”, meaning that it caters for all types of walkers. It also features both “deciduous and coniferous” woodland, the website adds.

New-forest-national-park.com states that there are “potentially countless” walks for people to take on and enjoy throughout the year in the New Forest because it is one of the few national parks where there are very few restrictions in place on rambling in the region. 

The advisory website goes on to state that walking in the New Forest is an “excellent way to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere” of the tranquil area, as it combines long, winding Forestry Commission gravel tracks with grassy and sandy alternatives, meaning that most parts of the woodland are comfortably accessible.

In terms of the best walking routes to sample over the course of a stay in the New Forest, the page goes on to suggest numerous trails that could be suitable for both enthusiasts and families alike.

For example, the Acres Down walk, which is situated near the heart of the forest, could be ideal for visitors with children as it is just 2.5 miles in length so should take around one hour to complete. The route passes through a traditional hamlet named Minstead, which could be a great place to stop for a drink and a bite to eat as it features a rural pub.

Another popular path to take within the woodland is the Matley Walk, the portal notes. Situated to the east of Lyndhurst, the unofficial capital of the New Forest, the trail is a little more challenging than Acres Down as it is some 4.5 miles in length.

However, the effort of completing this walk is well worth it as it offers a true glimpse of the forest because it almost acts as a tour of the region.

Despite being one of the country’s best spots for walking, the New Forest also has much more to offer.

For instance, the woodland has many pubs dotted throughout its vast area, ranging from small, independent houses to large family-oriented chains the portal notes.

Also, animal fans are unlikely to be disappointed by the New Forest as it is almost certain that visitors will see New Forest ponies – all of which are owned and kept by locals – roaming free in the area.

People who enjoy walking in the Lake District and other areas across the country might be interested to note that there are financial rewards on offer for those who gain the Get Qualified NW Project.

The national qualification scheme is available to anyone who lives in the north west of England and any outdoor volunteer or enthusiast that successfully completes the course in various fitness, sporting and outdoor disciplines could be given a monetary bonus of up to £300, Grough reports.

In order to receive this cash, candidates must pass assessments in qualifications such as Walking Group Leader, the Single Pitch Award or the Summer Mountain Leader.

The project, which has been jointly funded by the local Learning & Skills Council and the European Social Fund, is being managed by the University of Cumbria.

Meanwhile, earlier this week volunteers who worked on the Fix the Fells project in the Lake District were handed a sum of £500 in the Marsh Heritage Awards for their efforts, according to Grough.

Ramblers who enjoy walking in the Peak District and similar areas around the country may be interested to note that a new trail and bridge in the Yorkshire Dales national park will be completed in the coming months.

The construction process of the new path and timber bridge – which will measure 1.5 miles and forms part of the Pennine Bridleway – is underway and is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2010, according to Grough.

Peter Lambert, officer of the Pennine Bridleway project, commented that the development will use "an innovative design" that will involve "short lengths of timber to create a bridge with three arches spanning nearly 50 metres".

It will stretch from the small rural area of Selside to Cam High Road and will be part of a wider project that is being designed for the good of horse riders and mountain bikers as well as walkers.

Meanwhile, the news source reported yesterday that six disadvantaged children will be given the opportunity to learn skills such as rock climbing at the North Wales Mountain Rescue Association this weekend.

People who enjoy walking in the Lake District and other mountainous spots around the country might be interested to note that disadvantaged youths are to be taught rock climbing and other walking related activities in a charity event.

Grough reports that six youngsters from the Centrepoint charity – of which Prince William is a patron – are to be given tutorials by experts in activities including mountaineering skills this Friday (July 23rd) at the North Wales Mountain rescue Association.

During a similar event last year, Prince William took the hike up the Helvellyn peak along with Centrepoint members and mountaineering professionals and enthusiasts and it is hoped that this event will prove similarly as successful and rewarding.

Chris Lloyd, who works for the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation, commented that the children will b learning about skills such as "navigation and team work" throughout the day.

Meanwhile, it was reported by the news source yesterday that volunteering teams who have worked in the Lake District have been granted a £500 award for their efforts.

People who volunteer to help the upkeep of walking trails in the Lake District have been rewarded for their commitment.

Grough reports that the unpaid teams who have worked on the Fix the Fells project in the national park have been given a sum of £500 in the Marsh Heritage Awards after they put in some 818 days of free labour throughout 2009.

This prize represents a second-placed finish in the Awards’ panel’s mentoring scheme which is intended to encourage experienced volunteers to help newer, less experienced members of the team.

One of the people involved in the Fix the Fells mentoring scheme, Barry Capp, commented that the seven members who had dedicated their time to guiding new volunteers through their training periods were delighted with their achievement.

"It’s encouraging to get such a pat on the back for the work we do to help keep the fells accessible for everyone to enjoy," he said.

Meanwhile, it was revealed last week that mountain rescue teams will not be exempt from the government’s hike in the VAT rate, which comes into effect from January 2011.

Anyone heading out for a walk in the Highlands in the coming days may be advised to be on their guard after it was reported that a "large animal" is on the loose in the area.

According to local police, the creature was spotted by someone at 11.15 BST on Tuesday (July 13th) in woodland at Inshriach, which is near Kincraig.

"The person who reported the sighting was certain the animal was a cat and was the size of a German shepherd dog," a police statement read. The authorities also insisted that the report was as yet unconfirmed.

Ramblers may be better off going walking in the Lake District or another area for the time being, but Douglas Richardson, animal manager of the Highland Wildlife Park, told Grough that mistaken sightings of such animals are common.

Meanwhile, it was announced yesterday that mountain rescue teams will not be given special treatment on the government’s new VAT rate.