Welcome to Mark Richards

Goat Scar above Sadgill near the head of Longsleddale.

A warm welcome to my website the backdrop to my walking guides

The view above of Goat Scar features in my recently completed dvd film to a six-day walk from Westmorland motorway services to Great Langdale and onto the high fells that surround that fabulous mountain sanctuary. The walk passes through ten gorgeous Lakeland valleys and is to be called The Westmorland High Way. As Compass Films we intend to produce a series of six such films under the banner title 'Lake District Trails'. This following on from our happy partnership last year preparing a similar dvd to The Dales Way - check out that trailer on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0obXPrg1W5I&feature=youtu.be

Talking to camera is not everyone's cup of tea, but I have to admit to relishing the process. It can have it's really hilarious moments, such as when I was looking at a ruined farm at Bretherdale Head. I had a crisp little phrase lined up in my mind "This is Bridge End, clearly its farming life has ebbed away, in it's place a poignant sense of suspended animation". What I actually said (on my first 'take') was "This is Bridge End, clearly its farming life has ebbed away, in its place the pungent scent of stagnant education!"  Funny? Well, we thought so, it might feature in an out-take someday!

Slater Bridge, spanning Little Langdale Beck, puts a smile on any face - during the Westmorland High Way filming 29th June

My primary aim is to share a passion for fell country and a fascination in its greater historic setting. I sincerely hope you find the site rewarding and are spurred to consider extending your own outdoor quest finding renewed enthusiasm and fulfilment through the pages of my guides. Make a point of checking back at this site from time to time as it will be in a constant state of editorial embellishment.

My commitment to the welfare of the Lakeland fells includes supporting the Fix the Fells Project via Nurture Lakeland (formerly called the Tourism and Conservation Partnership), by giving a proportion of my  royalties from 'Great Mountain Days in the Lake District' and 'Lakeland Fellranger'. My publisher, Cicerone Press also gives a percentage of their profits from these titles to the same cause - hence the cheque - Cicerone's recent contribution, mine was sent with less pazzaz - by snail mail... Together we take this exemplary lead in the hope that readers of the guides will wish to offer their financial support, however small, to caring for the landscape we all dearly love.  Visit: www.ourstolookafter.co.uk and www.fixthefells.co.uk

Napes Needle on Great Gable drawn in 1984  -  see the Outdoor Diary entry of 14th September 2009

Grandpa and Rory having fun with autumn oak leaves