Walkers on Bellever Tor, Dartmoor. Photo: Oddsock

Walkers will converge on a Dartmoor beauty spot this weekend to celebrate the diamond anniversary of the setting up of Britain’s national parks.

The event is the culmination of a series of celebrations of the passing, 60 years ago, of the parliamentary act that led to the establishment of the country’s national parks. Six groups will walk to Bellever Forest to hear speeches by activist Kate Ashbrook and Dartmoor National Park Authority chair Bill Hitchens.

Ms Ashbrook, a former Ramblers chairman, is a member of the board of trustees of the charity. The Ramblers were instrumental, along with other pressure groups, in the setting up of national parks after the Second World War. Many rambling groups had fought for access to moorland, fells, and mountains in the inter-war years.

The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act was passed in 1949. England and Wales now has 12 national parks and Scotland two. The new South Downs park is expected to be established soon.

Kate Ashbrook will address the meeting

Ms Ashbrook said: “National parks and the inspiring landscapes they embrace are even more vital today in our chaotic world. But they are still threatened, and we must constantly speak out in their defence. They were established for all to enjoy and we must ensure that happens.”

Mike Soper, Ramblers’ Devon area chairman, said: “Devon area Ramblers congratulate the Dartmoor National Park Authority on its 60 years of caring and looking after the interests of those living and working on Dartmoor, as well as the visitors and walkers who come to enjoy the benefits of its wildness and isolation. Long may this continue for all lovers of Dartmoor.”

The walkers will set off from various points around Dartmoor, to meet at the Bellever Forest car park (SX 656 770) at 12.30pm on Sunday, 2 August.

More than 34,500 people live in the Dartmoor national park, which has millions of visits each year.