Jonathan’s Blog

There is something immensely satisfying in walking a Long Distance footpath. Travelling long distances across the country (or a number of maps) and finishing in a completely different place is always full of interest and satisfies a primeval need in many of us to explore and conquer. All over the world these long distance walks (trails if we live in America!) are becoming increasingly popular....

Roughly 100,000 walkers came to the Yorkshire Dales in 2018 to climb the 3 Peaks (24 miles, 5,500 feet of climbing).  The difficulty and distance make a completion (within the preferred 12 hours) a cause for great satisfaction. As a guide on the 3 Peaks I would estimate 60 to 70% of walkers complete the walk within the 12 hours with a further 10% completing the walk in a slower time. I would go...

I have always enjoyed wild camping, whatever the weather. There is a real adrenalin buzz when you can hear the rain hammering on the tent, only inches away from where you are lying or the wind is buffeting the tent and you wonder whether you have put the tent pegs in deep enough.  This year though it has been different, the weather has been superb and the pleasure has come from simply 'being...

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...