Walking is a popular way to raise funds for charity. But Jen Lowthrop — and her three-year-old rescue dog Cookie — also decided on a fund-raising activity that was more unique than a continuous end-to-end journey.
The charity consultant chose to explore England’s national parks over a 10-week spell. Mrs Lowthrop told the BBC that she believes she is the only person to have walked all 10 national parks, covering 1,000 miles (1,609km) and raising almost £10,000 for charity in the process.
England is home to some stunning national parks, each offering unique landscapes, outdoor activities, and opportunities for walking and hiking. They are dotted far and wide across the country and include the Lake District, Northumberland, the North Yorkshire Moors, the Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District, the Broads, the South Downs, the New Forest, Dartmoor and Exmoor.
Walking The National Parks in England
England may not have the same diversity of breathtaking scenery as many other countries, but its 10 national parks bring you into contact with the unique charm of the island nation.
The north-west is mostly famed for the picturesque lakes of Cumbria and the rugged mountain landscape that includes Scafell Pike standing at an elevation of 978 metres (3,209 ft) above sea level.
In the north-east and moving down to the midlands, Northumberland National Park, together with the Yorkshire Moors and Dales are characterised by rolling hills, expansive heather-covered moorland, ancient woodlands limestone pavements, and quintessential stone-built villages.
Coming down into the Peak District which crosses the borders of Yorkshire, Lancashire and Derbyshire in middle England features similar moorland landscapes and limestone dales, together with dramatic rock formations.
Moving across to the East Coast, you come across the Norfolk Broads, a unique wetland area, known for its network of waterways, lakes, and rivers.
In the south-east, South Downs is characterised by rolling chalk hills, and expansive views, whilst the New Forest offers a mix of ancient woodlands, heathlands, and wetlands.
The south-west features Dartmoor National Parkin Devon which is known for its granite tors and a rich history of myths and legends whilst Exmoor National Park features a dramatic coastline and deep valleys
