The “Dales 30” are the thirty mountains in the Yorkshire Dales above 2,000 feet. I have loved climbing them and have done so from each conceivable direction and many differing weather conditions and seasons. I have also had a lot of feedback from those who have completed them or are presently doing so. I therefore…

It would not seem usual for a beginner to attempt the highest mountain in their country, but it is possible in England. Highest Mountain in England Whilst Scafell Pike is quite a strenuous climb, it is also something a person of moderate fitness can do with a little preparation and the right approach. It’s a challenging…

I have always been driven by Mountain Lists when walking in the UK. Starting with the Wainwrights I moved on to climb the Munros of Scotland in my 20s and 30s. It was obsessive. More recently the ‘Dales 30’, the ‘Peaks 75’ and ‘Marilyns’ in England and Wales have driven much of my walking. Different…

A recent walk up Sheffield Pike from Glenridding reminded me how exceptional the fells of the Lake District actually are. The 214 fells were the brainchild of a grouchy book keeper with an exceptional attention to detail. The 7 guide books are the best guide books ever written, the memories climbing them never forgotten. A…

The best way to enjoy the ‘Dales 30’ mountains is to organize a series of weekend breaks across the different areas of the Dales. Each village/town in the list below has its own distinctive character and, coupled with direct access to at least 2 days worth of hill climbing, will make for a lovely break.…

“Access the Dales” is a registered charity with its main objective being to provide access (and remove barriers) for those through reasons of youth, age, infirmity or disability have been unable to enjoy the countryside. In particular, but not exclusively, is the introduction to hire of a fleet of All Terrain Wheelchairs for children and…

Most visitors to the main towns and villages of the Lake District gravitate to the most popular walks. It is natural and in most cases the walks are excellent..but crowded. However at times you may want to explore a little without the distraction of other walkers, maybe find some peace and quiet. There are some…

Not a competition! Each of the 500 walks on this website has a link to a GPX file. Personally I do not use a prescribed route but plan any walk from the paper version. The paper maps allow me to gain a feel of the land you are about to walk in and I love…

The Peak District is an area of outstanding beauty with some excellent walking. However what is not common knowledge is that there are also many hills that are worth climbing. In fact across the entire Peak District there are 75 of them, a surprise to many, even those who know the area well. 75 Hills…

I have been walking in Britain for over 50 years. Many things have changed but I strongly believe that the key factors about walking in the outdoors have not. It is a place to enjoy, a place to explore and a place to learn about our heritage. Never has it been more important for people…

Many of the best approaches to the higher Lake District peaks are not necessarily the most popular. As an example Skiddaw from Keswick is much bettered by an approach from the north. I have listed below 10 of my favourite alternative’ approaches to the Lakes highest fells. They are particularly useful for those who have…

One of the main attractions of walking in the North York Moors is the variety of walks. Choose between the wild moors, peaceful countryside, ancient abbeys, forestry and riverside strolls. Add in the coast andthe options are seeingly endless. The main issue therefore is which walks to choose. Having walked the area over a number…