Sedbergh Festival of Books & Drama 2009

Mark Richards

Mark Richards: “Adventure in the Fells: personal rewards and responsibilities”

”Having prepared my first walking guide at the age of twenty–three, now some thirty–seven years later I am still engaged with a passion. My first steps were guided by Alfred Wainwright with whom I spent many weekends walking back in the 1970s. Over the ensuing years my love of exploring the deeply embedded historic landscapes of Britain and particularly the hills have been my greatest motivation. Knowing my roots it was probably inevitable that I would ultimately gravitate to the Lakeland Fells. I will be looking at how we perceive the fells, what they mean to us, where we love to be and then, how we can repay the fells for the joy they bring into our lives.”

Mark is the author of the Cicerone “Lakeland Fellranger” series and “Great Mountain Days in the Lake District”.

Tony & Chris Grogan: “The Dales High Way”

The Dales High Way is an exhilarating 90 mile walk across the glorious high country of the Yorkshire Dales, from historic Saltaire to Appleby–in–Westmorland. It meanders along the banks of the River Ribble, where in autumn salmon can be seen leaping up the waterfalls of Stainforth Force, and passes the isolated splendour of Sunbiggin Tarn. It climbs mighty Ingleborough, favourite of the Three Peaks, and includes a breathtaking six–mile ridge walk crossing the velvety folds of the Howgill Fells.

Tony and Chris Grogan are the authors of the original route guide and a brand new “Companion” to the walk. They will give an illustrated talk about some of the fascinating things to be seen and enjoyed along the way.