We all enjoy and know the benefits of taking fruit with us when out walking. But we all hate the fact when you bring it out of your rucksack, it is bruised, squashed and looks quite unappetising.

That's why when the new banana guard invention was launched we all rushed to buy one. Not because of the great colours that were available but it meant our high energy banana was eaten in perfect condition.

But haven't they neglected to think about the other fruit you like to take with you out on the hills, like a nice rosy red apple. Again not quite the same when a little brown from bruising. That is what we thought until we searched on the internet.

We soon discovered they had not been forgotten. New fruit guards are now available on the market from the manufacturers of the original banana protector.

Check them out at www.bananaguards.co.uk

Durham's Outdoor and Active week is from 13th-15th April.
A wide range of activities and events will be held to encourage us to go and explore Durham's great outdoors.

Some of the events taking place are:

Owl woodland walk at Beamish Hall
Guided walks of Durham's Heritage Coast, Beamish Museum, Weardale Way and the city of Durham.
Free mountain biking in Hamsterley Forest

A full list of activities are shown on their website www.visitcountydurham.com

Do you want to get out on the hills but feel your hillwalking and mountaineering skills are not up to scratch?

The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) website offer a range of courses run by experienced instructors who will take you through everything you would need to know whilst in the outdoors.

A range of courses are available ranging from hill or mountain walking to first aid. They run throughout the year with overnight accommodation provided and are reasonably priced.

Check out their website for further details and more course info.

www.yha.org.uk

This weekend sees the beginning of the Crickhowell Walking Festival offering 42 guided walks over 9 days.

There are other activities taking place such as map reading and a craft tent to kick off the event on Saturday 28th Feb and an RAF Adventure Day on Saturday 7th March.

You can view a video and reviews from last years festival on their website at
www.crickhowellfestival.com which attracted over 500 people from England & Wales.

We spotted this website which is full of great info on walks, competitions and places to visit in the North East of England.

www.visitnortheastengland.com 

' Walk of the Month' which can be downloaded onto your ipod or computer making it even easier to explore the outdoors.