Like the idea of combining geology with chocolate? National Parks Week might just be for you...! National Parks Week kicks off in the UK on 29th July. The 15 national parks in the UK work to conserve natural beauty, wildlife and culture, but importantly they also strive to promote opportunities for UK residents and visitors to enjoy these outstanding protected areas. If you've never really taken advantage of your closest national park, you really should! And now is the time to do it. The event's mantra is that you should make these spaces "Actively Yours", and with a huge range of activities planned across the parks, that should be easy to achieve. National Parks Week offers great family activities too, to get the kids enjoying the great outdoors and maybe even learning a bit about conservation during the summer holidays (all with fun being the main priority of course!). Our top tips for getting involved with National Parks Week: In Scotland 

• Chocolate Geology. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are good enough to eat!:  Find out how the landscape of Loch Lomond and the National Parks was formed, as you eat your way through the props! We are VERY intrigued! 30th July 2013 at 1.30pm, Balmaha. Find out more...
• Get Active!: Visit Loch Lomond Shores to try activities you may never have considered before, from Archery to Segway. 2nd August at various times. Find out more...

In the North of England

• Navigating For Novices in the Lake District: Want to get out into the wilderness but not confident enough with a map and compass? Head outdoors to learn some basic navigation skills. 3rd August 2013, Ullswater. Find out more...

In the South of England

• Family Fun in the South Downs: The Sussex Wildlife Trust Family Event includes arts & crafts, woodland trails, and rock pooling. Perfect for kids aged 5-11. 2nd August 2013, Near Seaford. Find out more...

In Wales

• Medieval Mischief on the Pembrokeshire Coast: Medieval fun days run throughout national parks week, and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park also offers great wildlife based activities, from falconry to bugs & beasties. From 29th July 2013. Find out more....

Of course, we've long been advocates of enjoying the national parks on on two feet or two wheels, but what about on the water? The coasts, lakes, reservoirs and canals of the national parks offer plenty of fun to help you find your sea legs too. The National Parks Week website contains lots of useful information, so go on, have a browse and get out there! Or, if you are already a regular visitor to your local national park, why not take a trip to visit somewhere different? Each park has its own unique and diverse features to enjoy and now is the best time to make the most of it. Browse the Macs Adventure range of Walking & Cycling Tours in the UK for more inspiration on how to get out and enjoy the best of Scotland, England, Wales, and the Islands.