ADVENTURE is the theme of this year’s UK-wide National Parks Week, which started on Monday.

And there will certainly be plenty of that in the Yorkshire Dales during the coming months.

The week of activities, which is the UK National Park family's annual celebration of Britain's breathing spaces, comes just before the Yorkshire Dales National Park boundary is extended by nearly a quarter on August 1 from 680 sq miles (1,762 sq km) to 841 sq miles (2,179 sq km).

And that means there will be plenty of new places for visitors to explore in the 161 sq miles of additional countryside that will be included in the National Park.

Nick Cotton, the park's member champion for recreation management, said: “There is always plenty to do in National Parks Week anyway but this year is special.

“The ‘new’ part of the national park – with hundreds of miles of public rights of way, extensive areas of open access land and breath-taking views – provides ample opportunity for adventures big and small.”

There will be plenty of mini adventures, including river dipping and making crafty things on a Wild Wednesday, kite making and being a nature detective.

National Parks UK director, Kathryn Cook, said: "Our 15 wonderfully diverse national parks offer a great range of events and activities – there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

"So, whether you’re a thrill seeker or you are looking for something a little less energetic, we encourage you to get out and be a part of the incredible landscapes that make this country so unique."

Visit nationalparks.gov.uk/visiting/national-parks-week for more details about events taking place around the UK during National Parks Week.