The Near Eastern Fells

Guidebook containing detailed introductions to walking 35 summits in the Near Eastern Fells of the English Lake District, including a variety of ascents, old and new, in the mighty range of hills that sit between Ambleside, Ullswater and Grasmere, all presented with Mark Richards’ inimitable passion and flair.

Cicerone's excellent new Fellranger series has to be the modern rucksack reference for the discerning fell walker, and over the coming seasons will prove must have companions. The Near Eastern Fells comprise those that lie between Ambleside and Threlkeld, where steep western slopes contrast with long incursionary dales to the south and west, the region providing wonderful scope for long day hikes. The Central Fells comprises the ground between Great Langdale and Keswick. Each fell has a dedicated chapter, and the routes are carefully depicted on Harvey maps and fellscape diagrams, with colour photographs and detailed summit panoramas.

Lakeland Walker Aug/Sept 2008

The Near Eastern Fells and The Central Fells, by Mark Richards devote a chapter to each fell, with descriptions of many routes enabling you to mix and match. Helpful drawings show what you can see from the top, to save having to spread your map in high wind.

(Open Spaces, Autumn 2008)

Lakeland lovers need more than pretty images. They want facts and routes and maps, written by someone whose veins course with felltop blood. Which is exactly what Mark Richards has delivered with these two guides. With walks, panoramic topographs identifying the fells on the horizon and a genuine feel for the landscape, these are the hi-tech, digital equivalents of Wainright’s classic guides. And compliments don’t come any bigger.

Country Walking, December 2008
 

Mark, who knew Wainright well and even walked part of his popular Coast to Coast Walk with him, insists he is not trying to replace his former mentor. He says he wants to produce a new practical guide to a footpath network, which has changed dramatically I the half century since Wainright was at work. Some Wainrights routes have fallen out of Use while elsewhere new paths have been trodden into existence.
Like Wainright, Mark gives each fell its own chapter, thoroughly exploring all the serious routes to the summit as well as links and ridge routes. But he has chosen to include fells and even areas left out of the Pictorial Guides. He admits that his choices, like Wainright’s, sometimes lack cold logic but are a personal selection.
Unlike Wainright’s guides, Marl’s books are typeset and include colour photographs instead of sketches and make use of Harvey Maps rather than hand drawn versions.

Cumbria, November 2008