The black trail adds to the existing mountain biking and cycling trail network at Grizedale, which includes the 16km-long red grade North Face Trail, a plethora of exciting bridleways, several way-marked family bike trails on the forest road system, and the Grizedale Mountain Bikes’ bike hire and shop.

Katie Jarvis, Forestry Commission recreation ranger at Grizedale Forest, said, “We are now able to offer great trails to suit all levels of riders, from families with children on our forest road routes, the cross-country mountain bikers with the North Face Trail and bridleways, and now the more experienced riders and downhill adrenaline-junkies with the new black route.”

One great way to enjoy Grizedale throughout the year is by getting a Discovery Pass which also costs far less than a gym membership. For only £40 a year, this entitles you to free parking within the forest, 10% off items in the visitor centre shop, 20% off Go Ape high wire adventure courses on weekdays during term-time and a saving of £24 on adult membership of the CTC (the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation) as well as other benefits.

For more information about Grizedale, visit www.visitlakelandforests.co.uk. For regular updates on Grizedale Forest visit the Grizedale Forest Facebook page. Follow this link to watch a video of the trail  -  www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4IqJk7u6hA.

• Take out travel insurance: make sure you are fully covered for the activities you are planning and for any unexpected losses or expenses such as missing flights, particularly if you are travelling on ‘discount tickets’. It won’t break the bank and it will put your mind at rest!
• Passports: It’s all too easy to lose your passport at a festival, so keep it in a secure location ideally behind lock and key. If this isn’t possible, keep it on you securely. Keep a separate record of your passport details, preferably a photocopy of the details pages with next of kin contact details or upload a scan to a secure online safe before you leave. Report lost or stolen passports to the local police immediately.
• Beware of bag and mobile phone snatchers especially in chalets, on the slopes, public transport, restaurants, cafes ad at the festival. Report the loss of any valuables to the local police and obtain a written police report.
• Drink & Drugs: know your limits. Penalties for drug possession can be severe, with heavy fines or imprisonment. Don’t carry anything through customs for anyone else.
• Visas: find out what visas are required for your visit. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office have advice for every country in their travel advice by country section www.fco.gov.uk/travel
• Local Emergency Services. Wherever you are in the European Union you can always reach them (ambulance, police, fire brigade) by calling 112 from any mobile or land-line.
• British Embassy/Consulate: Before you travel, note down the number of your nearest British embassy or consulate www.fco.gov.uk/directory

It’s worth spending a few moments sorting out your holiday plans now. If something goes wrong… it can not only be very expensive but it can follow you back home. Make these simple preparations, sit back and wait for the fun to begin!

For more information on winter sports travel, visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website www.fco.gov.uk/wintersports and www.fco.gov.uk/travel for additional travel details and country specific information.

The region boasts a wealth of amazing wildlife rarely seen elsewhere in the UK —  red deer, golden eagle, sea eagle, osprey, pine marten,  otter, whales, dolphins, basking shark plus rare butterflies, dragonflies, orchids, alpine plants and much more. The whole of Lochaber is an internationally recognised Geopark with many of the world’s finest and most unique geological features are located here.

The Wild Lochaber Festival inaugural event, organised by the OCUK, runs for one week from 1 June 2012 with a Festival Fair on the 2 and 3 June 2012. The Festival Fair will showcase all that is available in Lochaber’s natural environment and will provide a wealth of information relating to local biodiversity. Local organisations and tour operators who provide wildlife and landscape activities and events will be present, together with government and professional bodies.

Organised events to be held during the Festival week are designed to show visitors and residents the best areas in Lochaber to spot wildlife and see the most interesting landscapes. Choices will include guided wildlife tours (on land and sea), walks, Geopark Rock Safaris, children’s activities and talks. Wildlife and landscape pictures taken by local schools for a photography competition will be on display and judged during the Festival. As part of the overall Wild Lochaber project, a series of self-guiding trails will be developed, with further plans to create new wildlife-watching hides.

For more information, go to www.outdoorcapital.co.uk

The Flatford to the Fens Suffolk Challenge Walk can be joined for the entire 70 miles, or for as many days as walkers wish but there will be a prize for those who complete the route. The walks will be led by countryside experts from the Dedham Vale AONB, Brecks Partnership and The Ramblers with distances ranging from 10 to 14 miles each day. The Challenge starts in Flatford on Sunday, 20^th May following the Stour Valley Path long distance route through picturesque Constable Country and the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It reaches the market town of Sudbury, where it picks up the St Edmund Way to Lavenham, England’s finest medieval village, then continues to Bury St Edmunds, with its magnificent cathedral. The route then joins the Lark Valley Path and follows this gently flowing river finishing in Mildenhall on Thursday, 24^th May.

Other highlights include a seven mile, morning walk on Tuesday, 29^th May around the historic Helmingham Hall estate, near Stowmarket with the head forester, who has a vast knowledge about local wildlife as well as the ancient trees. The price of £20 per person includes lunch in the Coach House Tea Rooms and a chance to explore the stunning Grade 1 listed gardens during the afternoon. Special interest walks include the 6.5 mile Medieval Marvels outing on Friday, 8^th June strolling through fields and country lanes to visit the three fascinating churches of Woolpit St Mary; Drinkstone All Saints and Rattlesden St Nicholas, which has a beautiful angel roof. A short talk will be given at each church included in the £4 per person price. Nature lovers can also join a 4-5 mile walk starting at 8.30pm on Saturday evening, 9^th June in search of the elusive nightjar in Brandon Country Park; adults £4, children free. There are several walks with activities to attract a younger audience such as The Story of St Edmund on Thursday, 7^th June. The 45 minute amble around the medieval abbey grounds will help answer some questions about England’s former patron saint such as how he lost his head. Starting at 11am the walk is £3 per child but free for accompanying adults.

Pre-booking is essential for all walks by calling the Tourist Information Centre in Bury St Edmunds on 01284 764667; they would also be able to advise on places to stay and post a free printed programme. Some of the walks are free while for others the prices range from £2 up to £20 per person (latter includes lunch); dogs are allowed on some outings but must be kept on a lead at all times. The programme is downloadable at www.discoversuffolk.org.uk.

Sir Ranulph will be interviewed live on stage by acclaimed high altitude mountaineer and photographer Ian Parnell.  Ian filmed Ranulph on both mountains as they climbed.  Includes footage and images from both expeditions. For dates and venues please click here

Two long distance walks this year.  ‘By Canal from Ledbury to Hereford’ follows the stretch of the Hereford & Gloucester Canal within the county, along the towpath wherever possible, over farmland, tracks or minor roads.    The Hill Forts & Castles Walk has never been walked before by the general public.  Created by a Hereford Ramblers’ member, four of the sections have been researched especially for the festival and will be led over both weekends.

Old favourites include ‘On the Black Hill’ particularly apposite this year with the general release of the film ‘Resistance’ based on the novel by Owen Sheers.  Learn about butterflies, vendettas, farming practice, geology, tree husbandry, archaeology, myth and legend.  Take the small children on a Sunday morning family wander or take yourself on a good bracing walk with wonderful views.  Enjoyment of Herefordshire food is never far away be it tea and cakes, a ploughman’s in the village local or a farmhouse supper.

New departures include an introduction to ‘geocaching’ and a tour of a historic house plus some very surprising adventures around Symonds Yat.   ‘And Now for Some thing Completely Different’ is a treasure trail that can be walked and puzzled over on any day and at any time during the Festival by a single sleuth or a family group.  Correct answers will be entered into a draw and the winner will receive a prize!

All walks  must be booked in advance – click here for details

Footwear – a crucial factor in making the most of your trip. Lightweight, sturdy boots, or shoes, should be worn for some time before you leave to ensure the fit and comfort offered suits you – blisters and sore feet will ruin your trek. A pair of sandals or trainers for evening wear will give your feet – and footwear! – more of a chance to recover. Comfy socks that wick sweat away from your feet and ensure extra padding in key areas are a sound investment; 3 or 4 pairs is a good idea. Keep a pair to wear whilst you sleep.

Clothing – from hot days to chilly nights, you need a range of items that will cope with the variations, be comfortable to wear and durable. Flexible base layer tops that that be worn on their own or as part of a layering system are at the heart of your trekking wardrobe. A  mid, insulating layer, possibly windproof, will help to keep you warm and, if really cold conditions are expected, can be supplemented with more layers as appropriate. It’s a bonus if your clothing can be washed easily and dried quickly. Even more so if it wicks sweat away from your skin to avoid chafing and maintains comfort by avoiding clammy wet clothing next to your skin. Don’t forget gloves and a hat as cold fingers, ears and head can end up with you feeling pretty miserable. A down jacket offers a great deal of comfort when you’re relaxing in the evening and a boost to morale on chilly mornings.

Sleeping – don’t skimp or take a chance on your sleeping bag being warm enough. Night after night of being too cold to sleep properly will take the pleasure out of any trip so err on the side of caution. A sleeping mat will insulate you from the cold ground as well as being more comfortable to lie on than a tent groundsheet. A sleeping bag liner helps to protect your bag from sweat, grime and accidents and is far easier to wash and dry than the bag itself.

Carrying – a duffle bag or large travel pack is the easiest way to transport most of your kit whilst a 30 litre capacity rucksack should cope easily with the water, gear and spare clothing you’ll need to carry yourself each day.

The courses will be run on the following days:

May 2012

Sat 5th – Ochils (base near Alloa)

Sun 6th – Ochils (base near Alloa)

Sat 26th – Campsoe Fells (based near Drymen)

Sun 27th – Campsoe Fells (based near Drymen)

September

Sat 1st – Ullapool

For further information please visit the The Mountaineering Council of Scotland website