The light was perfect as I completed a short walk along the slopes of Blencathra from Threlkeld. I have taken a number of photos along this walk but none in Spring. It completes the set! The walk itself starts and finishes from Threlkeld and involves very little climbing although the daunting bulk of the mountain…

There is surely nothing better than a winter’s walk on a clear day, with snow on the ground. The low sun creates an excellent light which even an amateur photographer can make look good. The walking is easy on the hard ground (as long as the snow is not too thick) and a cosy pub…

“BOOK REVIEW” a Lifetime of Hill Walking is a high quality book which describes Barry’s 50 years of climbing mountains in Britain & Ireland. The challenge is to climb the highest 500 mountains in Britain & Ireland which have a 500 foot drop on all sides. The 340 page, hard back book is professionally put together…

I received a letter the other day complaining about the difficulty of a climb up Blencathra. He said it was too dangerous and finished his letter with the phrase “the outdoors is not a playground, it is a dangerous place”. I nearly fell off my bar stool. Of course it is a play ground. If…

I have walked all my life, not just a stroll round the streets, but proper walking. From when I can first remember I walked. Whether along the beaches of Northumberland, the steep climb up to the Haven at St Abbs or in the Lake District. My Dad’s first thoughts were not what walk his child…

Taking to the fells of Britain today is very different to what it was 30 years ago, neither better or worse but very different. The best things do not change, most people who are out and about are thoroughly enjoying themselves (even in bad weather once the decision is made to go out the day…

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…

The greatest dilemma when guiding a group or individual on the mountain is to balance the excitement of a walk with the safety of the party or individual. The one overriding motivation for employing a guide, either to go up in to the higher fells or as a low level walk, is that the day…

Walking in the winter 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 or snow. I have listed my 10 favourite Lakeside walks for such an occasion! Not…

I am often asked by walkers who have spent their life to date walking In England “How does it compare to walking in Scotland, particularly the mountains (the Highlands)”. The first thing I always reply is that ‘it is bloody hard work’….pause for a while and then add ‘but very rewarding’. It is difficult to describe…

The news (seemingly!) that the National Parks of the Lake District and more significantly the Yorkshire Dales will increase in size to support more areas of our lovely landscape is surely a benefit for all who live and visit the area. Putting aside for a moment how this will be funded (lets not hold our…

This is not a Health and Safety piece, anyone who knows me would realise this is then last type of blog I would ever write. However with a little bit of thought before you head out a walk your day can be so much more satisfying. Here are some key tips and advice to ensure…