We don’t need to tell you just how special our natural world is!

In the UK alone, there are 15 National Parks. 10 in England, 3 in Wales and 2 in Scotland. These are large areas of land that are protected by law – for the benefit of future generations who will walk, cycle, ride or perhaps even glide through them.

Unsurprisingly, these National Parks are home to some of Britain’s most iconic landscapes, from the rolling fells of the Lake District to the open meadows of the New Forest. Each one is unique, attracting hikers, walkers, trekkers (and trundlrs!) from all over the country every year to pause amongst their beauty and reconnect with nature.

It’s fair to say that we’re very lucky to have them and very few appreciate this more than Jen Lowthrop.

Over the next 10 weeks, we’re delighted to be following Jenny’s journey through 10 of our National Parks. She’ll be walking approximately 1000 miles to reach her fundraising target of £10,000 in aid of the Peak District National Park Foundation.

The charity was established to raise funds that will be ploughed back into caring for the National Park itself, as well as making it more inclusive and accessible. As Chair of the foundation, Jen is keen to highlight some of the difficulties faced by National Parks across the UK, as well as reminding us why we come back to walk these paths year after year after year.

At each location, she’ll be talking to walkers and volunteers to understand where these landscapes need our support, and why we should all be determined to do our bit in keeping them at their best.

Starting in Northumberland, Jenny will walk her way through the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District, Broads, South Downs, the New Forest, Dartmoor, Exmoor and finally finishing in her home turf, the Peak District, where hopefully she’ll have her feet up with a hot cuppa in hand!

It’s important to say that our use of these natural wonders for our recreation always hangs in a delicate balance, something we were reminded of during the “wild camping” case in Dartmoor earlier this year. So, if you’re grabbing your boots and heading out for a walk, remember to leave no trace, respect local wildlife and, if you can, bring along your trundl app, press ‘Go trundling’ and help leave the world a better place simply by walking.

Thank you.