If you haven't already visited Loch Lomond and the Trossachs - which last month became Scotland's first national park - then its website, lovely but bare, may encourage you. Unfortunately, the official national park sites are not always the best places to plan a walk and find a place to stay. This week, I've looked at a few of the alternatives - of which Walking Britain (Walking Britain), with its hundreds of walks and dozens of photos, is the most highly recommended.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Beautifully designed, but try West Highland Way (West Highland Way) for B&Bs and Loch Lomond Shores ( Loch Lomond Shores) for the exhibitions and shops. In Callander (In Callender) suggests some walks. Serious walkers should visitLenymede.
Norfolk Broads
Consult the restaurant and pub guide here. For walks, visit the Eastern Daily Press's series (Eastern Daily Press), and for advice on hiring a boat on the Broads, see Visit Norfolk.
Brecon Beacons
Not a bad site, but eclipsed by the Brecon Beacons Mountain Hut (Brecon Beacons Mountain Hut).
Exmoor
The children's activities buried within the site are worth a visit. Try South West Coast Path for a photo tour of the South West Coast Path and a canny distance reckoner for walkers. Devon Council (Devon Council) sets out the rights of way and bridleways in the county, while Exmoor Accommodation is strong on horse-riding and cottages available for rent.
Snowdonia
Plenty of basic information here. Visit Camping and Tramping (Camping and Tramping) for walking routes, and Ogwen Valley and Capel Curig (Ogwen Valley and Capel Curig) for a Mancunian's opinions on the best routes. Snowdonia Wales Net (Snowdonia Wales Net) lists bunkhouses, campsites and farms willing to accommodate.
Dartmoor
Dartmoor explains how the baggage forwarding service for cyclists works.
Lake District
For walks, you're better off at Lake District Walks.
Northumberland
Could do with a revamp. Visit Northumbria Visit Northumbria is a great deal more appealing. Even better is Shepherds Walks, compiled by a local shepherd.
Other national parks
