Hinkes Opens New Moors Centre

Mountaineer and Yorkshireman Alan Hinkes - the first Briton to climb all the 8000ers - officially declared open the newly made-over Moors National Park Centre this week.

The Centre in the North Yorks Moors National Park has had £1.2 million spent on its refurbishment and is now described as 'the perfect place to find out more about walking, cycling and climbing within the park'.

The new look centre contains lots of information about the local landscape and is also a showpiece for local arts and crafts. Of more interest to Alan though, was the new children's climbing wall designed to spark young people's interest in getting outdoors.

"Climbing the minor crags of the Moors as a lad eventually led me to the tops of Everest and Kanchenjunga," says Hinkes. "It is vital that we encourage young people to enjoy the great outdoors and the Moors National Park Centre is a terrific place to start."

Feedback on the completed centre has been positive with new features including an exhibition area with interactive displays, a gallery showcasing the works of local artists and craftspeople, an outdoor and indoor play area, nature and riverside trails, the indoor climbing wall and improved interpretation throughout including a number of historical characters who 'talk' about their life as a water bailiff and game keeper.

Located in the village of Danby, the Centre is served by the Moorsbus Network and the Esk Valley Railway, the Moors National Park Centre also has ample pay and display car parking, a gift shop and a tasty tea room, it says here.

More details at www.moors.uk.net