Details have been unveiled of the 2012 Keswick Mountain Festival - and it could have more people than ever heading to the Lakes with their walking boots, climbing ropes and mountain bikes.

Taking place from May 16th-20th, the event offers a huge variety of activities and plenty of additional value in the form of guest speakers and films.

Of course, while many will be keen to hear from the likes of Helen Skelton, Sir Chris Bonnington and Cameron McNeish, it is the chance to get out and about that will matter most to some people.

As it happens, Cameron McNeish will be involved in such activities himself and this includes a chance to climb Skiddaw with him on May 19th. The 3,054 ft mountain looms large above Keswick and is one of four over 3,000 ft in the national park.

People keen to climb others can try a climb to Scafell Pike via four Wainwrights, which also takes place on May 19th - hardly surprising as unlike Skiddaw it is not within short walking distance of the town.

England's third highest mountain Helvellyn is also on the programme, with the 3,117 ft peak being climbed from Glenridding via Catstycam and Swirral Edge on May 18th, a trek for which good hiking boots are highly recommended.

Some rather smaller Wainwrights also feature, such as Latrigg, a 1,204 ft hill overlooking Keswick. May 16th sees the 38th annual Latrigg Fell Race and as ever, a cast of uncommonly fit people will have their running gear on for the challenge. 

Climbers can enjoy everything from masterclasses through to activities for beginners. Cyclists can also enjoy everything from family rides to advanced courses. And whatever one's favourite outdoor activities, the Festival Village offers everything from beer to bushcraft.

Keswick is one of the heartlands of the outdoors scene at any time. During the festival, this is truer than ever.