THE first ever National Parks Week runs from July 1 to 9, with a packed programme of walks, activities and events taking place throughout the week on Dartmoor.

There are opportunities to visit a Dartmoor longhouse, enjoy a variety of walks or improve your navigation with the Dartmoor National Park Authority?s ranger service, or learn about Dartmoor?s haymeadows or see a dry stone walling demonstration.

Visitors with mobility problems can enjoy a minibus tour in the company of a guide on July 3, in a vehicle equipped to take wheelchairs.

To book a place, contact 01822 616958. The cost will be £5.50 for the tour, which starts at 9.30am and will last for five-and-a-half hours.

The dry stone walling demonstration will take place at Ford Farm, Sticklepath on July 7 from 10am to 4pm.

It will be free and visitors can drop in at any time.

Walks are free if you travel to them by public transport and produce your ticket. Public transport information is available on 0870 608 2 608.

There is no need to book for most walks, but those that need booking are indicated in the programme.

There will be an exhibition of work by Dartmoor-based craftspeople at the authority?s High Moorland Visitor Centre in Princetown.

At Postbridge Information Centre an exhibition entitled ?The Spirit of the Pony? will celebrate the ponies on Dartmoor, the contribution they make to the cultural heritage of the area and the enjoyment they give to local residents and visitors.

The full National Parks? Week programme can be seen on DNPA?s website at http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk">www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk or telephone the information hotline on 01822 890414.

Details are also available at the information centres.