24 August 2011

Two Countryfile Awards

Northumberland National Park, and the Hadrian’s Wall Path which runs through its southern end, have received a big “thumbs up” from readers across the Nation in the Countryfile Magazine Awards 2011, it was announced today.

The Awards were launched in the April issue of Countryfile Magazine and feature 10 categories from conservation projects and food heroes to country writers and the finest nature reserves.

In each of the ten categories, a panel of experts drew up a shortlist of candidates. The awards were then voted for by readers of the magazine and members of the public via post, email and on the Countryfile Magazine website, www.countryfile.com.

The Hadrian’s Wall Path was voted top in the Britain’s Greatest Walking Trail category followed by the West Highland Way and the Wye Valley Walk, and Northumberland National Park achieved third place in the Favourite National Park category, out of the fourteen National Parks of Britain, with the Lake District coming first.

Northumberland is one of Britain’s smallest and most remote National Parks, but its 1030 square kilometres of hills, dales and wide horizons include the most tranquil places, darkest skies and four of the most pristine river systems in the country.

Northumberland also scored highly in the Best Market Town section where Alnwick came first, and Belsay came second in the Britain’s Finest Garden category.