Great Mountain Days in the Lake District - Walks in the Lakes

Fifty memorable expeditions on the high fells of Lakeland. Graded circular routes equally suitable for the moderately adventurous walker looking for undiscovered areas and for the less experienced walker starting out on the fells.

Mark Richards manages the balancing act pretty well and still manages to put a spin on some well-loved walks in this handsome collection. While old favourites such as the Mosedale and Fairfield Horseshoe are there, others are given an unexpected twist. So the familiar Newlands trio of Dalehead, Hindscarth and Robinson find themselves teamed with Fleetwith Pike and ascended from Buttermere while the Kentmere round is split into two. It may offend some purists and some walks smack ever so slightly of novelty for its on sake but at least it makes for different views and interesting days. Each walk is enthusiastically described with a Harvey’s map and a 3D drawing of the route and some excellent photography.

(Cumbria, May 2008)
 

'It is well said that a knowledge of the fells and mountains provides an alternative map of the terrain, alternative to the road-maps used by motorists and visitors who appreciate landscape more from the valleys and viewpoints that from higher and more strenuous vantage points. Mark Richards is an experienced guide to anyone planning serious walking in the area. His fifty great mountain days capture the high moments (literally and metaphorically) that, for any keen walker, will be unforgettable.

Richards provides an introductory chapter on gear and emergencies and weather, all fairly standard for such guides : this is after all an area of publishing where there are books for every level of capability and ambition. Because of this, Great Mountain Days will be one of many considered by the serious walker, and by any library and bookstore stocking such books. It stands out because its choice of the fifty routes is spot on, the information and advice really does distill what anyone would need for planning (have maps alongside you at this stage as well as later!), and, as an illustrated introduction to the more graduated walks in the Lakes, it makes an attractive addition to the shelf.

This is a book for planning and doing yet it does not ignore dreaming and recalling – and reminding readers that you really do want to go back. Responsibly, too, Cicerone are donating part of the profits from this book to the Fix the Fells project (enabled by the Tourism & Conservation Partnership). The trade-offs between conservation and boots continue.'

(Library Review publication / May 2008)