Jonathan’s Blog

The weather really is extraordinary. I do not remember the famous heatwave of 1976 but I can definitely say this is the longest and warmest spell of weather I ever remember in this country. Sunny walks though can be brilliant (despite what some of the doom mongers say). I must admit I treat walking in this heat a bit like walking in the snow. Be prepared and compromise on the type of walk if...

With the rapid growth and use of technology I can't help but worry about the use of traditional map and compass. There is little doubt that more people are exploring our higher lands armed only with a handheld Gps or some mapping software on their phone. Viewranger seems the most popular at the present time. ...

We arrived in the lovely village of Dufton for a mid week walk up to High Cup Nick. It was Debbie's first mountain outing in the terrain hopper of the year. We roped in Andy (being her husband we could not really leave her behind), Jane, Lesley and a stray man named Dave and his trusty spaniel called Hal. The weather was warm and clear; our only initial issue being the Stag Inn was closed (as it...

I have now lived in the Dales for 20 years and have a great affection for walking in the area. What are the reasons that make it such a special and unique area to walk in my humble opinion? ...

We have a number of gifts/ideas for walkers this Christmas, many of them unique to Where2walk. Not only can you buy books, maps and mugs from us but we also can offer Navigation Days or Weekends including our new Learn a Skill, Climb a Hill course in Mallerstang. If you are not sure what to choose then order a voucher and let the walker make the decision. Exclusive Books The Dales 30. The...

Walking in the Autumn months in the Lake District is as good as it gets. On a crisp clear day the low light and autumnal colours give a special days walking even when the higher fells are covered in cloud. I have listed my 10 favourite Lakeside walks for such an occasion! Not all stick rigidly to the shoreline and some are tougher than others but all make for the best walks that take in one of...

The Lake District may be the queen of lakeside walks well but nowhere does pleasant strolls alongside a river better than the Dales . There are very few standing areas of water in the Dales but plenty of fast and slow flowing rivers. The rivers in the main Dales are all very different and display their own character. Encouraged by an excellent day on the Ure last week these are my Top...

The phrase may be a little bit corny  but for many learning how to use a map and compass provides a gateway to the higher fells of Britain. If not the higher fells, having the confidence to read and interpret a map (and use a compass when the cloud comes down)  will give anyone the confidence to venture a little further and enjoy our wonderful landscape. I run a number of Navigation...

The 'Dales 30' are the 30 mountains in the Yorkshire and Cumbrian Dales that top 2,000 foot. I have written and produced this book for a number of reasons. Primarily I like the mountains themselves. They are full of interest, each one has its own personality and they offer an interesting challenge to climb. "How to buy the book, see the full listing and more information. CLICK...

2 years ago I wrote a blog describing my favourite 10 short walks in the Lakes, Dales and North York Moors. 10 is not really sufficient so here are another selection of my favourite short, but very satisfying walks. The original 10 'Best Short Walks' can be found by clicking here   1. Waterfalls above Askrigg (Dales)  A pretty tumbling beck falls through woodland towards the...