With 100,000 Lake District events guides are poised to showcase an action packed season the call has gone out to get stuck-in.

Over 500 exciting and compelling activities, many of them free, are on the starting line.

National park activity co-ordinator Belinda Turnbull said Events and guided walks 2013 was an extraordinary invitation to explore some the UK’s best countryside.

She explained: “There’s a wealth of opportunity to get involved and see why the Lake District is so special. Irrespective of age or ability, we’ve tried to include something for everyone.

“We’re particularly proud this year to announce our event volunteer leaders came out tops in the first ever National Parks Awards. They’ll be heading up over 400 events, including this season’s hugely popular walks.”

The season got underway on Sunday (March 17) with a bird and animal watching event at Brockhole, Windermere’s Lake District Visitor Centre, the extensive programme runs right through to New Year’s Eve festive fun.

Brockhole is hosting around 100 family events where anything from dragon boating to bushcraft, jazz on the terrace to tempting talks is up for grabs. The centre’s going wild on May 4 and 5 with a wow-factor action-packed weekend.

Britain’s biking prowess continues with 15 guided electric cycle rides, which Belinda said would be an added attraction to those who wanted some pedal power.

Donations from last year’s guided walks across the national park’s 885 square miles added £5,300 to the programme’s coffers.

Guides are available from tourist information centres, libraries, hotels, guest houses and visitor attractions, also online at www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/events