Welcome to the Gala Hub!
Hey! Welcome to the Gala Hub - your go-to page for news, inspo, goss and giggles.
You’ll find a bit of everything here, from the random and ridiculous (WTH) to the utterly riveting (OMG). We’ll also share top tips on how to boss your bingo and live your best life, because that’s what friends are for, right?
So, if you’re in between games and got a spare 5 mins, head for the Hub and boss the goss – it’s sure to put a smile on your dial 😊
BRECON BEACONS
The first Geopark in Wales, the Brecon Beacons is home to a wealth of wildlife and some of the best horse riding tracks in Europe. Situated between south and mid-Wales, you'll see some of the most spectacular and distinctive upland formations in the UK. Penny Ratcliffe of aroundllangorselake.co.uk took to the open landscape to explore on foot the steep summits and glorious green with her dog Rosie-Lou.
BROADS
Known as Britain's Magical Waterland, the Broads are a network of rivers and lakes created by farmers flooding the land in the Middle Ages. The variety of birdlife is a huge attraction for visitors and the area is home to over a quarter of the country's rarest species. Tanya from crackednailsandsplitends.co.uk popped her wellies on and took her dog out for a muddy walk in the marshes.
CAIRNGORMS
The biggest National Park in the UK, Cairngorms is larger than Luxemburg and twice the size of the Lake District. Visitors can soak up the stunning views across the high peaks, spotting wildlife from Dippers, Red Deer, Grouse, Curlews and Mountain Hares on this spectacular walk to Loch Callater. Emily from Braemarcaravanpark.co.uk took on the rewarding mountainous terrain with her West Highland Terriers.
DARTMOOR
An area of outstanding natural beauty, Dartmoor National Park is famous for its tors, formed about 280 million years ago as the granite in Dartmoor cooled down. Boasting some of the most spectacular views in southern England, this is the perfect place to put on your walking boots and discover the tranquility of the rough grazing land and wooded valleys with your canine companion. Jenny How from visitdartmoor.co.uk tells us about her stunning stroll at Nine Maidens, Belstone Walk.
EXMOOR
Exmoor is full of highs and lows - from the highest sea cliffs and beech trees on the British Mainland to the highest and lowest tides in Europe. Exmoor National Park is a unique landscape to explore by foot, with its heather-covered moorland, oak woodlands and tumbling rivers. Elke from Exmoor4all.com took her curious canine for a wander around Bossington in Exmoor National Park.
LAKE DISTRICT
The Lake District National Park includes 26 miles of coastline and estuaries, and although home to many waters, meres and tarns, (there is actually only one official lake!) Attracting 16.4 million visitors a year this beautiful park offers dramatic views strolls and treks, perfect for dog walkers. Sarah Edwards from Muttmate.com takes us on a journey around Scout Scar near Kendal, with her striking pooch leading the way.
LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS
Established in 2002, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park encompasses 22 lochs, 50 rivers and larger burns. The loch itself contains more species of fish than any other in Scotland and the paths and trails are perfect for dog walkers. Clare Potts from iliketweet.com takes us on an adventure along the Luss Heritage Trail, ending in a splash in the sea for the dogs.
NEW FOREST
Named as a ‘Royal Forest' in 1079 by William the Conqueror to play host to deer hunting, the New Forest is now more famous for its ponies and donkeys, roaming freely throughout the open heath. Kate from kateonthinice.com took her dog on a ramble through the woodland with a route taking in not just one but two pubs!
NORTHUMBERLAND
Northumberland National Park hosts plenty of discovery opportunities for curious ramblers, with 229 Listed Buildings, 425 Scheduled Ancient Monuments and 4,000 Historic Environment Records. Andy Craig of Northumberland360.com took his dog Daisy for a time-travelling adventure along Hadrian's Wall, past the Roman fort and along to beautiful photo spot at Sycamore Gap.
NORTH YORK MOORS
Rolling hills, woodland, lofty cliffs and sandy beaches; not only does the North York Moors National Park contain the largest expanse of heather moorland in England and Wales, but it's also home to Britain's tallest lime tree! Sharon Lewis from stargazyeye.com took on the ramble passing Bronze Age burial mounds and peaceful Low Horcum.
PEAK DISTRICT
Crowned Britain's first National Park in 1951, the Peak District now hosts more than 10 million visitors a year. You wouldn't know it though - exploring the 555 square miles it's the perfect place to lose yourself in the rolling hills, limestone dales, caverns and impressive gritstone edges. And that's exactly what Charlotte from http://charlottescupcakecorner.blogspot.co.uk did.
PEMBROKESHIRE COAST
It may be one of the smaller UK National Parks, but it has one of the most diverse landscapes, from rugged cliffs and sandy beaches to quiet wooded areas. Explore the coastal path at Cemaes Head with your four legged friend and enjoy the breathtaking scenery on this challenging coastal walk. Rebecca Ring from mumof3boys.co.uk takes her miniture dashaund Pip along for the ride and even discovers an ancient converted church in the fields.
SNOWDONIA
Much more than just being home to Wales's highest mountain, Mount Snowdon, Snowdonia National Park can boast over 1,500 miles of public footpaths and bridleways and 100 beautiful lakes. Hoping not to come across any dragons, Becky from bloggerandthegeek.com took her dog Rufus deep into the land of eagles to bring you a walk that rewards those brave enough to clamber over the rocky terrain with some stunning views.
SOUTH DOWNS
England's newest National Park runs along the country's southern coastline, with a mix of picturesque villages and striking clifftops creating a unique home for over 100,000 people (not to mention the wildlife). With two energetic greyhounds needing to burn off some energy, Laurence from Chichester went for a wander around Kingley Vale, where trees were planted as far back as the Middle Ages to make longbows.
YORKSHIRE DALES
Part of the backbone of England, the river valleys and rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales give both gentle walkers and serious trekkers plenty of options for a day out. Rhianna from robowecop.com took her dog to the stone-built village of Malham, taking in a walk with a landscape so magical it was featured in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows!