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)
