Loving the Wainwright Fells 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… March 24, 2022 6:40 pm
Weekend Breaks to enjoy the ‘Dales 30’ 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.… February 28, 2022 11:53 am
Quiet Walks from the Busiest Places, Lake District 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… February 2, 2022 2:17 pm
Beginner’s Guide to Scafell Pike 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… February 1, 2022 6:05 pm
Gps and Paper Maps 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… January 6, 2022 5:37 pm
Hills of the Peak District, now a Book 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… November 12, 2021 3:51 pm
Explore, Educate and Enjoy (the outdoors) 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… November 3, 2021 7:51 pm
Lake District Classics – unusual approaches 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… July 19, 2021 3:46 pm
The 10 Best Mountains without the crowds Heading up Catbells, Helvellyn, Snowdon or any one of the 3 Peaks in Yorkshire this summer will likely be very busy, too busy for me. There are so many hidden gems there is no need to follow the crowds. I have listed my own favourite 10 below where you are unlikely to see more than… May 5, 2021 1:38 pm
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme What would be a more fitting legacy than to relaunch the excellent Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award scheme following the death of its patron. With government support (even legislation) it could be significant driver for reversing the increasing physical and mental problems of our young. Fresh air, exercise, new skills, group work with friends, understanding… April 28, 2021 1:35 pm
Historical walks in the Dales The Yorkshire Dales has a rich and wonderful history. Complete this set of 10 historical walks and you will have a much better understanding of the area than from a guide book or the tv. Take a walk through history. These 10 walks cover the geology of the area as well as man’s influence through… March 23, 2021 5:07 pm
Yorkshire 3 Peaks Debate Nearly 100,000 walkers came to the Yorkshire Dales in 2019 to climb the 3 Peaks (24 miles, 5,500 feet of climbing). The difficulty and distance make a completion a cause for great satisfaction. Sadly most will never return. As a guide on the 3 Peaks I would estimate 60 to 70% of walkers complete the… March 12, 2021 10:42 am