People who enjoy walking in the Lake District might be interested to note that police are currently looking to combat the issue of wild campers in the area’s Duddon Valley.

The authorities have been receiving complaints about the amount of litter and human waste being disposed of in the Ulpha Bridge and Ulpha Flats regions of the national park as people flock to the beauty spots to picnic and camp out every weekend.

And this, according to Lake District national park ranger Chris Berry, is now causing a "very worrying situation", meaning that the police are having to get involved in order to try to stamp out the problem.

He explained that the area had been visited for generations, but expressed his concern that people are now not heeding the ‘no camping’ signs there.

Meanwhile, a group of volunteers who helped maintain several walking trails in the Lake District were given a cash reward at the Marsh Heritage Awards last week, Grough reported.

People who enjoy walking in the New Forest and other rambling hotspots across the country may like to check out the Wembury Point trail in southern Devon.

That is the view of Lorna Sherriff, a south Devon coast and countryside ranger who, while speaking to the Daily Telegraph, indicated her belief that the area offers a superb option for fans of walking and history all-year-round.

According to Ms Sherriff, Wembury Point’s "fascinating recent history" is a big attraction for visitors of all ages, as it was used as a naval gunnery school up until 2001 and has since been redeveloped by the National Trust.

"The views here are wonderful too. From Gara Point over to Noss Mayo, the Yealm Estuary, the Mewstone, Plymouth Breakwater and onto Rame Head," she added.

The ranger also advised visitors to bring some binoculars with them in order not to miss out on seeing wildlife such as dolphins on this coastal trail.

Meanwhile, Grough reported last week that people completing the Get Qualified NW Project in various outdoor disciplines could be rewarded with a cash bonus of up to £300.

The Peak District may also be ideal for holidays, as well as top class walking breaks.

Walking in the Peak District has long been one of many British ramblers’ favourite activities as the area offers some of the country’s best and most breathtaking natural scenery.

Situated in the centre of England, the Peak District was, according to its official tourism website, the first region in the UK to be granted National Park status. And it is clear when you visit the area that this award was not given out lightly, as its dramatic moorland and picturesque, rolling hills are enough to impress anybody.

However, despite its well-earned reputation as one of the leading destinations for ramblers of all ages and abilities across the country due to its wide range of different paths and trails of all difficulties, the Peak District could also be an ideal place to visit for a family holiday at any time of year.

“With a fascinating historical and cultural heritage, this unique and diverse region is home to some of the country’s finest stately homes [and] enchanting market towns,” the web page continued, meaning that the region may have something to keep everyone content and amused during a holiday there.

Any taste, budget and interest is catered for in this tourist hub at the heart of the country, which means that it could be ideal for breaks ranging from romantic getaways to fun family holidays.

For example, people who are interested in the history of the region might like to visit Derby’s Silk Mill, which is the city’s museum of industry and history and is renowned as the origin of the country’s Industrial Revolution, which changed the face of manufacturing and business across the globe in the 19^th century.

The Heage Windmill could also be another unmissable attraction as the sight of it is like taking a trip down memory lane due to its status as the country’s only remaining stone towered windmill.

Castles are a prevalent attraction in the Peak District, with Bolsover Castle – which is owned by the English Heritage organisation – providing re-enactments of battles and jousts between knights for the entertainment of visitors.

For those tourists who prefer more contemporary activities, nearby urban areas and conurbations such as Derby, Buxton, Matlock Bath and Ashbourne could be perfect alternatives while the history buffs among the party soak up sights such as the Bolsover Castle.

Meanwhile, any children – or adults who are simply young at heart – seeking an adrenaline rush and a fun day out might appreciate a trip to the country’s largest theme park, Alton Towers, which is also near to the Peak District.

And walkers who might want to diversify somewhat from a normal walk around the green open spaces of one of Britain’s most renowned rambling destinations may be interested to note that there are a number of official trails that take in some of the region’s towns.

These paths offer something a bit different to just walking in the countryside and trails through locations such as Derby, Swadlincote, Bakewell and Castleton give visitors the chance to see the Peak District from a different angle.

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.