Wild Guide Lake District and Yorkshire Dales: Hidden Places and Great Adventures - including Bowland and South Pennines

Even in areas as heavily touristed as England's Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, there are places off the beaten path that can make a great vacation. This Wild Guide has the information, in a well put-together book loaded with color photography and pithy, useful information sets. Of note, the guide caters to visitors who want to swim, boat, and beachcomb in the area (weather permitting, of course), along with the usual hiking. The guide is broken by geographic area, nicely indexed up front. Each section offers lots of suggestions and opinions, including good eats. The indexing for the wonderful photographs takes a little extra work, but they are worth the effort. The suggested adventures include stuff for kids, and for those who might not be as athletic as they used to be. Well recommended.

Beautiful book, full of gorgeous photos of the lake district. Quality glossy paper which is so important for clear and colorful printing as well as longevity.

really good book has great swimming places listed

This book is almost a love letter to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, written by someone who clearly knows the region intimately. I also appreciate the fact that this is a non-traditional guidebook, seen through the lens of the author's personal priorities (such as hiking, wild swimming, slow food, wild camping, archaeology and wildlife), many of which I share. As a result, it's visually breathtaking, and the quality of photos is outstanding. So if you're looking for a book to give you an impression of why people love this region so much - particularly with the off-the-beaten track locations outside the tourist traps of Ambleside and Grasmere - then this does the job. The 'our perfect weekend' section at the opening of each regional section is also a nice personal touch. However, it's a pity that as a guide book, it is worse than useless. The maps are difficult to read - almost impossible under artificial light (when you're presumably doing your planning) - and are hopeless for navigation purposes, especially if you go wrong and miss one of the turnoffs. Possibly the assumption is that you'll be armed with a 1:50,000 OS map, but even then, I don't think that the details provided are sufficient for orientation. I would also caution those unfamiliar with the Lakes against relying on GPS, as Internet coverage in some of the locations (for example, Eskdale), is spotty at best. Some of the hiking options sound gorgeous, but again, the maps in the book aren't detailed enough to encourage novices to venture out on this basis, especially in an environment famed for its fickle weather. I would assume that many of these hikes would be featured on hiking websites or apps, so why not include the link to those sources (as website links are given for other attractions, such as restaurants and campsites)? Unforgivably, there is no index, which seems unthinkable for a guide book, which makes quick referencing of information almost impossible. The book is structured into regions, so if you're considering the border/overlap between the areas defined in the book, it's difficult to orient yourself (especially as the regional overview at the beginning is worse than useless). I found myself shaking my head as to what editor in their right mind would approve the proofs of a guide book that doesn't contain an index? If this book goes into a second edition, then a good editor could transform it into the unusual and beguiling guide that it has the potential to become. In its current form, it sadly has more value as a coffee table book than a guide.

This is wonderful inspiring book, and really makes you want to get out there. When you live in the lakes you too often become used to the scenery and the hidden delights. I have deducted one star because the book has missed a trick in ignoring Cumbria's Eden Valley, described by David Bellany as Britain's last great wilderness, and crammed with hidden secret wild swims under waterfalls, dozens of stone circles, gothic caves, Victorian wells and underground water courses, and beautiful windswept moors and wildlife. I'm not from the Eden but when you're in the Lakes and it''s crammed full of tourists (all visiting the spots noted in this book) it's a shame not to venture further afield to places where nobody else goes. If the authors do a second volume of this book, the Eden Valley should definitely be included, if only to avoid the traffic jams of thousands of lakeland tourists!!

I rarely write reviews on books but this book is a delight to use. It clearly divides up the areas and then subdivides between accommodation, places to visit etc. This series fills the gap left by other travel books which fail to show what the place you plan to visit look like. I also want to explore the countryside and this is THE book to help you decide where to go and what there is there to explore. This book is full of gorgeous photographs there's a photo for so many of the places they mention.

this book, not only does it show you wild swimming venues its full of other things to do around the places you will go. Suggests places to eat and things to do and walks and a thousand other things to do. Not quite what I expected in the book, way more.

Fantastic book. Beautiful subject topic. All I need is my camper and a OS map to accompany this and I’m good to go. Well set out with beautiful pictures. Overall area descriptions, exact locations and split in areas of interest. Bought three so far. Scotland, Wales and Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.

This book is fantastic! Loads of beautiful places I didn't know existed, and the book has sections showing the best places for different activities. Got a craving for wild swimming or cliff jumping? Just go to the relevant section. I lost this book and immediately bought it again. It's perfect for arranging short-notice countryside trips.

Really pleased with this book it has just the right amount of info whilst still packing plenty of options - have been brought up going to some of these places but now have found even more to visit - one thing I found is a local beauty spot to me ( the strid) at Bolton abbey and was a bit concerned that it didn't come with more of a danger warning than it does because that part of the river is treacherous but still love the book and have bought another as a present for Christmas.

Even in areas as heavily touristed as England's Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, there are places off the beaten path that can make a great vacation. This Wild Guide has the information, in a well put-together book loaded with color photography and pithy, useful information sets. Of note, the guide caters to visitors who want to swim, boat, and beachcomb in the area (weather permitting, of course), along with the usual hiking. The guide is broken by geographic area, nicely indexed up front. Each section offers lots of suggestions and opinions, including good eats. The indexing for the wonderful photographs takes a little extra work, but they are worth the effort. The suggested adventures include stuff for kids, and for those who might not be as athletic as they used to be. Well recommended.

Beautiful book, full of gorgeous photos of the lake district. Quality glossy paper which is so important for clear and colorful printing as well as longevity.

really good book has great swimming places listed

This book is almost a love letter to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, written by someone who clearly knows the region intimately. I also appreciate the fact that this is a non-traditional guidebook, seen through the lens of the author's personal priorities (such as hiking, wild swimming, slow food, wild camping, archaeology and wildlife), many of which I share. As a result, it's visually breathtaking, and the quality of photos is outstanding. So if you're looking for a book to give you an impression of why people love this region so much - particularly with the off-the-beaten track locations outside the tourist traps of Ambleside and Grasmere - then this does the job. The 'our perfect weekend' section at the opening of each regional section is also a nice personal touch. However, it's a pity that as a guide book, it is worse than useless. The maps are difficult to read - almost impossible under artificial light (when you're presumably doing your planning) - and are hopeless for navigation purposes, especially if you go wrong and miss one of the turnoffs. Possibly the assumption is that you'll be armed with a 1:50,000 OS map, but even then, I don't think that the details provided are sufficient for orientation. I would also caution those unfamiliar with the Lakes against relying on GPS, as Internet coverage in some of the locations (for example, Eskdale), is spotty at best. Some of the hiking options sound gorgeous, but again, the maps in the book aren't detailed enough to encourage novices to venture out on this basis, especially in an environment famed for its fickle weather. I would assume that many of these hikes would be featured on hiking websites or apps, so why not include the link to those sources (as website links are given for other attractions, such as restaurants and campsites)? Unforgivably, there is no index, which seems unthinkable for a guide book, which makes quick referencing of information almost impossible. The book is structured into regions, so if you're considering the border/overlap between the areas defined in the book, it's difficult to orient yourself (especially as the regional overview at the beginning is worse than useless). I found myself shaking my head as to what editor in their right mind would approve the proofs of a guide book that doesn't contain an index? If this book goes into a second edition, then a good editor could transform it into the unusual and beguiling guide that it has the potential to become. In its current form, it sadly has more value as a coffee table book than a guide.

This is wonderful inspiring book, and really makes you want to get out there. When you live in the lakes you too often become used to the scenery and the hidden delights. I have deducted one star because the book has missed a trick in ignoring Cumbria's Eden Valley, described by David Bellany as Britain's last great wilderness, and crammed with hidden secret wild swims under waterfalls, dozens of stone circles, gothic caves, Victorian wells and underground water courses, and beautiful windswept moors and wildlife. I'm not from the Eden but when you're in the Lakes and it''s crammed full of tourists (all visiting the spots noted in this book) it's a shame not to venture further afield to places where nobody else goes. If the authors do a second volume of this book, the Eden Valley should definitely be included, if only to avoid the traffic jams of thousands of lakeland tourists!!

I rarely write reviews on books but this book is a delight to use. It clearly divides up the areas and then subdivides between accommodation, places to visit etc. This series fills the gap left by other travel books which fail to show what the place you plan to visit look like. I also want to explore the countryside and this is THE book to help you decide where to go and what there is there to explore. This book is full of gorgeous photographs there's a photo for so many of the places they mention.

this book, not only does it show you wild swimming venues its full of other things to do around the places you will go. Suggests places to eat and things to do and walks and a thousand other things to do. Not quite what I expected in the book, way more.

Fantastic book. Beautiful subject topic. All I need is my camper and a OS map to accompany this and I’m good to go. Well set out with beautiful pictures. Overall area descriptions, exact locations and split in areas of interest. Bought three so far. Scotland, Wales and Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.

This book is fantastic! Loads of beautiful places I didn't know existed, and the book has sections showing the best places for different activities. Got a craving for wild swimming or cliff jumping? Just go to the relevant section. I lost this book and immediately bought it again. It's perfect for arranging short-notice countryside trips.

Really pleased with this book it has just the right amount of info whilst still packing plenty of options - have been brought up going to some of these places but now have found even more to visit - one thing I found is a local beauty spot to me ( the strid) at Bolton abbey and was a bit concerned that it didn't come with more of a danger warning than it does because that part of the river is treacherous but still love the book and have bought another as a present for Christmas.

Disjointed nonsense. Not reality. An excuse to show noce pictures and to write and imdulge about things that only nearly exists

Bought this as a Christmas present for someone who loves walking and exploring. They were thrilled with it as they weren't aware of half the places mentioned in this book. It lists great activities, hidden gems and brilliant walks and climbs. A great book really well laid out.

Not useful at all, really disappointed with this book as some of the places are inaccurate in terms of opening / description, so wanted to like it but can not recommend at all. Information just really poor, much better using the internet to fact check this

Most guidebook look the same and explain the same - This one is diffrent and it is called wild for a reason - The photography is top notch and you get the opportunity to see places that most guide booked would probably have missed with the emphasis on nature adventures eg Wild - The best guidebook I have used for a very long time

Bought as a gift for someone who no longer can get out and about... It's brought so much joy for him to continue to enjoy the outdoors

A very useful book with a lot of information about places you would miss if you didn't know they were there.

This book is a starting point for family adventures. Full of ideas and places to explore.

My husband and I are interested in doing some wild swimming in the Lake District handy book to see where will be our first place to swim

Very happy with book

Purchased after a hunt through similar titles for an outdoor loving ex Scout Leader. When it arrived, my partner loved it so much he wanted us to keep it. Instead I ended up buying a second one for him. Its fantastic, a wonderful mix of photography and places to adventure. Can't wait to receive the 2nd copy!

Excellent book. Great gift for someone. Found places I never knew existed and I live here!

Bought as a present for my wife. I think we will have a lot of adventures from this book. Good delivery. Well done.

I love the book, it was great for a present. It came on time so no problems there. However the book was slightly damaged, the back cover had brown sticky bits on that was difficuly to get off and resulted in scratching the lovely cover :(

Not at all what I was expecting, and although advertised as giving open water swimming sites it was too vague.

Without doubt the best book I have ever bought. Ridiculously excited. Thank you so much!

Beautiful book, fantastic photos, descriptions and information. A great buy.

Nice to see this part of our country

Given as gift well received

Great book, lots of really useful stuff in it!

Some fabulous ideas for day trips and longer stays in the Lakes ....

Great book, good ideas of where to go. We bought for open water places to go and walks, as we're often driving around lakes, but don't know where to go.

great guide

A great book and well put together. Lots of good locations. Perhaps just not as wild as I wanted...

Terrific books - I would buy again the 3 I have already purchased

A very well received gift. Full of great ideas and information

Perfect guide to ensure that you do not drive past hidden gems without at least being aware of their existence.

Gift was well received

Beautifully presented and excellent content - highly recommended!

Interesting places I had not thought about before.

Fabulous book , just a little different from others especially for the adventurous man who likes to walk and explore

Fantastic book

Gorgeous book. Can't wait to visits lots of the place featured next summer

Just the best buy

Love the whole series of these books

Bought for my partner.He loves it .

Great gift

👍

As with the other "wild" books in the series, lovely evocative images, wants you to get outdoors.

excellent

A present for my husband, have the hidden beaches book and have found some amazing beaches so looking forward to finding some amazing places with him.