This is an inspirational guide to 50 memorable expeditions through the high fells of the Lake District. From the favourite summits of Scafell, Bowfell, Great Gable, the Crinkle Crags, to lesser-known fells, this guide offers only the best walks to explore all that is pure Lakeland.
Some of the 50 walks described in Great Mountain Days in the Lake District are well known classic challenges – such as Scafell Pike and Esk Pike, or the Gable Girdle – while others approach a favourite mountain from a new angle or combine several in a testing way. Each one can be crammed into a single, long day or backpacked over two to spend a little longer in this rugged and addictive landscape.
The circular walks are all graded, making this guidebook equally suitable for less experienced walkers looking for new summits and undiscovered areas of the Lake District, as well as experienced walkers looking for a challenging day out on the fells. The walks are categorised between the grades Energetic, Strenuous and Arduous.
-
50 graded walks throughout the Lake District National Park area
-
routes illustrated with Harvey maps and pictorial route diagrams by artist and outdoor writer, Mark Richards
-
some routes include mild scrambling or long days in rugged country
This is one title in the Cicerone Great Mountain Days series, which includes Snowdonia, Scotland and the Pennines.
Jan 2019
Page 22: IN CASE OF EMERGENCY The web link to the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association (LDSAMRA) has changed to www.ldsamra.org.uk
MAY 2018
Walk 38 page 215. You need both OS Maps OL6 (South-western) and OL7 (South-eastern) to cover this walk.
April 2016
Page 54 (Route 7) Ascent figure in the info box is wrong for this walk. It should read 742m not 555m.
September 2008
Page 4 The correct website address for Jon Allison is www.lakedistrictlandscapes.co.uk
Route 39 Both Map OL5, North-eastern area, and OL7, South-eastern area, are needed to cover this walk.
Page 180 (Route 31) Start point grid reference is incorrect. It should read GR227237 and features in the Route Information box and also below in column 1, para 1, line 5.
Mark Richards was encouraged to produce illustrated guides by the late Alfred Wainwright, with whom he used to stay regularly. The 50 graded walks include famous peaks such as Blencathra, Great Gable, horseshoe ridge routes such as Fairfield and Helvellyn, ridge walks and scrambles and family days out.
It is illustrated with many fine photographs, most of them by Mark, his pictorial diagrams and map extracts.
In his forward Sir Chris Bonington writes: “ … Mark’s book reflects an exuberant affection for, and pleasure in, the exploration of the Cumbrian fells. He brings an artistic touch to the creation of a very practical and inspiring guide…”
(Cumbria Life, June/July 2008)
It is always a precarious task to write a new guide to classic walks. 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)
'...most of the well-known ridge walks and scrambles are covered, including Scafell Pike, Fairfield, Sharp Edge and Great Gable, but with expert commentary, as well as some stunning colour photos and Harvey's map extracts.
It's a quality addition to the bookshelves'
(Walk magazine / Autumn 2008)
