The Walking Englishman's Favourite Books
I have lots of books in my office. Practically all are about walking, hiking and mountaineering or on related subjects such as the natural landscape, geography, geology, archeology, history and wildlife. With regards to walking, as well as books on particular which include walk descriptions I have a wealth of books written by travel and walking writers such as Robert Macfarlane, Sinclair Mckay, Hunter Davies, Kathleen Jamie, A Harry Griffin and Nick Crane. I also own most of Arthur Wainwright's works including the original set of Pictorial Guides to the Fells of the Lake District. I refer to my books whenever necessary when planning walks and/ or when visiting new areas to explore. They are invaluable to me.
On this page I list a few of my favourites as well as some of the best new books in my subject areas. Each one listed is read by me from cover to cover and afterwards still used for reference material. Each one is recommended.
NEW: Lake District Top 10 Series
The Pennine Way: The Path, the People, the JourneyIncludes recollections of walks, stories from people who live on the land and more. This book is the ideal Pennine Way read.
The Wild PlacesIn my opinion this is Robert Macfarlane's best book. I have sought out some of the wild places he chose to seek out myself.
The Last HillwalkerSubtitled "A sideways look at forty years in Britain's mountains", this is a remarkable book by an extraordinary man.
The View From A Hill
Christopher Somerville, walking and outdoors writer for the Times newspaper revisits some of his favourite and memorable walks.
A Pennine JourneyI was beguiled by this fascinating story of Wainwright's solitary walk through the Pennines in 1938.
Walking HomeSo observant, so funny and so intensely likeable says the Telegraph's critic. I agree, this book is a great read.
The Backbone of EnglandSubtitled "Life and Landscape on the Pennine Watershed", this is a lovely tribute to those who live in, and those who love the Pennines.
Byways, Boots and BlistersA history of walkers and walking by Bil Laws. Includes chapters on Benny Rothman, Tom Stephenson and Alfred Wainwright.
Written by Phoebe Smith of the LDWA, this is the story of her adventures as a wild camper.
Along the DivideProlific walker Chris Townsend's story of walking the the wild spine of Scotland is a super read.
At the Loch of the Green CorrieFor those seeking the inspiration and calmness of north-west Scotland, this book by Andrew Greig is the perfect tonic.
The Lure of the Lake DistrictAuthor Steve Goodier describes his passion for fell-walking, explores little-known routes that will tempt and surprise even those who think they know the fells well, and uncovers some Lakeland oddities.
