An alternative view of the North West of England that delves into its stranger past. I Hate the Lake District offers a different vision of the rural environment from those found in much contemporary nature writing. Based on the author's trips around North West England, the book engages with nuclear power and nuclear war, slavery, imperialism, ghosts, love, God, cockroaches, and the sheer violence and contingency of “nature” itself—of which the human presence is merely a part. Each chapter starts with an account of a visit to a place in this remote part of England, the deep north, but digresses and wanders through multifarious themes and subjects. Among the sites Gere visits are the defunct nuclear power station at Sellafield, home of all British nuclear waste; Lake Coniston, where Donald Campbell died trying to break the water speed record; Hadrian's Wall, furthermost reach of the Roman Empire; the mysterious and deathly Morecambe Bay; sites of slavery in the North West; places where UFOs have been sighted, avant-garde artists created work, and Islamic terrorists trained; shantytowns where the navvies who built the railways lived with their families; and even the remains of Blobbyland in Morecambe. In I Hate the Lake District, Gere challenges the bourgeois pastoralism of popular nature writing and reveals the landscape of North West England as profoundly unnatural and strange.

The book takes you on magical journeys through Britains most popular walking and swimming region, combining classic Lakes fell walking with adventurous swimming, collating the very best swims and hikes in Lakeland. Combining stunning photography, engaging stories and history, the book is packed with all the practical information you need, including detailed directions, route maps and downloadable guides.> Discover the beautiful pool below the highest waterfall in Cumbria> Seek the legendary talking fish of Bowscale Tarn> Swim around the islands of Ullswater and into the Devils Chimney> Bathe in the deepest tarn in the Lakes beneath the towering crags of Mardale> Explore the craggy highs and the watery lows of Scafell Pike from the wonderful Eskdale Valley

The second edition gives comprehensive coverage to every attraction within the National Park and accounts of outlying towns such as Kendal and Penrith. There are informed features on the writers, artists and local characters who have shaped the history of the Lakes, together with full guidance on lakeland walks and advice on staying safe in the hills.The colour section features the author's choice of the Lake District's finest scenic, cultural and outdoors attractions.

Swimming Wild in the Lake District by Suzanna Cruickshank is an informative and inspiring book for both new and experienced wild swimmers, exploring the larger lakes in the beautiful Lake District National Park. The book explores secluded wild swimming locations in the tourist hotspots of Windermere and Derwent Water and takes you to the tranquil hidden gems of Bassenthwaite, Crummock Water and Devoke Water, with the emphasis on taking time to enjoy the stunning surroundings. Imagine yourself gliding through clear, still water, surrounded by rugged fells, with only the sound of birdsong to accompany you. The book is full of useful tips for both new and experienced wild swimmers; it contains sections on getting started in wild swimming, how to look after your own safety and impartial advice on all the essential kit you'll need, as well as what you don't need. Illustrated with stunning photography, and featuring overview maps, the book has all the practical information you need to plan your wild swimming adventure, including access to the lakes by car or public transport where possible, thorough information about the best wild swimming locations on all the featured lakes and details of the best pubs and cafes for a much-needed post-swim drink or meal. Suzanna vividly describes her wild swimming experiences and brings the characteristics of each lake to life. Whether you're an experienced wild swimmer or just dipping your toes in the water for the first time you'll find plenty to inspire your next adventure.

An inspirational guidebook to the best days out in the Lake District mountains, including Scafell Pike, Fairfield, Helvellyn, Skiddaw, and Blencathra and other lesser-known but wonderful Lake District mountain walks. Each route offers a Great Mountain Day, a challenging walk exploring the beauty of the Lake District. This larger format book is perfect for choosing the next mountain to summit whether that will be a well-known classic challenge or revisiting a favourite mountain via a new route. Ideal for those new to the Lake District or those who think they know the Lake District well! Centres include Ambleside, Keswick, Patterdale, Seatoller, Boot, Ennerdale, and Wasdale Head. Each of the 50 great mountain days can be hiked in one day or are suitable for backpacking adventures. The circular walks are between 4 and 14 miles in length and all graded for difficulty, making this guidebook equally suitable for less experienced walkers and those looking for a challenging day out on the fells. All routes are illustrated with Harvey maps and the author's pictorial route diagrams.