Click Here To Purchase The Central Fells (Lakeland FellRanger)    

Author: Mark Richards

Publisher: Cicerone

ISBN: 978-1-85284-540-7

The Lake District - a place this book calls a “land of living dreams” - is perhaps England’s most beautiful corner. It boasts lofty summits, pools of thought and is a location that someone can visit to escape the day-to-day worries of life. Here our soul can take a moment to reflect on the sheer beauty of the fells and relax in this lover’s paradise.

Mark Richards, who is no stranger to The Cumbrian Fells having fallen in love with them long ago, has composed this wonderful guide that takes the explorer to the most spectacular parts found in the central Lake District.

The first route starts off at Ann Bothfell, described here as a “squidgy, squadgy fell that looks as if some local monster has set his considerable posterior down precisely on top”. Judging from the photographs I can see what he means but I can also see lovely rolling hills in the distance, wooded dells and that this hill, although not very high, still has its charm.  

Richards explains that underfoot can be boggy depending on which time of year it is. Overall I found this trek looked intriguing and I’d love to try this one out!

There is a Harvey Key Map included which contains key icons such as what stands for dual carriage ways or say, a track through a forest. Also is a Panorama, which you will find with every walk. If you are an avid walker of the Lakeland fells you will understand how useful these can be.

As we move on through this guide more picturesque walks follow guiding us up gracious hills and along some rather dramatic ridge routes.

Harrison Stickle is a fell that looks rather good. However it will push you to the limits of your endurance with its staggering height of 2415 feet. Travelling up this mountain does have its good points with scenery of beauty and if you fancy, you can even spend a moment or two at Dungeon Ghyll. 

The picture taken from the summit of Harrison Stickle shows that visibility is excellent once you ascend its heights. You really can see for miles which should make this a favourite.

All walks are categorized at the beginning of this guide and the helpful piece of ribbon attached can be used as a bookmark. I rather like this idea and it goes to show you can pack this booklet into your rucksack when you feel the need to spread your wings but be rest assured you wouldn’t lose your place. 

Quality photographs are as ever well presented beside the featured routes and every section of every walk is easy-to-read with detailed text, diagrams and maps. All this goes to prove that Cicerone is one of the best publishers of guides which feature walks from all over the world.  This is certainly another gem.