The Yorkshire Dales has long been a jewel in the county’s crown, and now it has become something of a national treasure, thanks largely to a TV show pulling in more than four million viewers.

The Dales, a 12-part ITV series presented by Bradford-born comedian Adrian Edmondson, looks at the stories behind a summer in some of the national park’s remote communities.

The series is expected to attract a surge in visitors to the 680 square miles of the Dales this spring and summer.

But while many visitors make their way there to trek up fell and down dale, soak up the spectacular scenery and watch the wildlife, others come in search of a more action-packed agenda to get the adrenaline pumping.

This week, outdoor footwear and apparel specialist Merrell joined forces with the UK National Parks to inspire a new generation of visitors to get out and about in the Dales.

With the Easter break approaching, it is offering various ideas to get the most out of the national park, from caving to road cycling.

There are activities for everyone, from families and weekend warriors to intrepid explorers eager for adventure and new experiences.

If you fancy taking on the Three Peaks challenge, put Saturday, April 30, aside in your diary. That’s when the 57th annual Three Peaks Race takes place, starting and finishing at Horton-in-Ribblesdale.

Described as a ‘hard-core challenge’, it sees competitors race up the three peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside, with the tallest peak standing at 736 metres.

There’s still time to get on the waiting list for a place in this year’s race – or start training for next year’s event. The Dales is a top destination for caving, with Gaping Gill being one of the longest and most complex cave systems in Britain. Caves are just one feature of the limestone scenery, which also includes dry valleys, sink holes, gorges and cliffs.

For climbing enthusiasts, there’s plenty of scope to be found in the gritstone and limestone rock types dominating the Pennine region, creating some of the hardest climbs in the country.

Crookrise, Rylstone and Eastby, in the southern Dales, are known for gritstone outcrops, which are often more suitable for practising beginners, while the ‘Big Three’ – Kilnsey Crag, Malham Cove and Gordale Scar – are cut from limestone and better for more experienced climbers.

Road cycling and mountain biking are hugely popular in the Dales. The national park is known as one of the UK’s finest adventurous mountain biking areas, boasting a range of challenging climbs and testing descents in remote countryside.

Opportunities for road cyclists range from short routes along the valley bottoms, which are suitable for most families with some cycling experience, to the 130-mile Yorkshire Dales Cycle Way, which challenges even the most hardened cyclist.

Founded in 1981, Merrell provides quality bespoke footwear for outdoor pursuits. The company’s philosophy is based on encouraging and equipping people to get outside and seek adventure, exhilaration and new experiences.

As the concept of ‘outdoor’ has broadened to include various activities and environments, both rural and urban, Merrell has evolved its product range in ‘aftersport’ and fashion footwear categories and has launched a performance and lifestyle clothing line.

Factfile * For more about activities and places in the Yorkshire Dales, and how to plan your trip, visit yorkshiredales.org.uk.

* For information about any of the other 14 UK National Parks across England, Scotland and Wales, visit nationalparks.gov.uk.