The Pennine Way: The Path, the People, the Journey
Includes recollections of walks, stories from people who live on the land, and more. This book is the ideal Pennine Way read.
The Walking Englishman's Favourite Books
I have lots of books in my office. Practically all are about walking, hiking, and mountaineering or related subjects such as our natural landscape, geography, geology, archaeology, history, and wildlife. In addition to books covering specific walk descriptions, I treasure works by renowned travel writers such as Robert Macfarlane, Sinclair McKay, Hunter Davies, Kathleen Jamie, A. Harry Griffin, and Nicholas Crane. I also own most of Alfred Wainwright's works, including the original set of Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells.
I refer to my library whenever planning new walks or visiting unfamiliar areas across Britain. On this page, I have chosen a selection of my personal favourites alongside top recommendations. Each book listed has been read by me from cover to cover and remains a regular reference on my desk.
The Wild Places
In my opinion, this is Robert Macfarlane's finest book. I have personally sought out several of the wild corners he explored.
The Last Hillwalker
Subtitled "A sideways look at forty years in Britain's mountains", this is a remarkable, candid memoir by an extraordinary mountaineer.
The View From A Hill
Christopher Somerville, renowned walking writer for The Times, revisits some of his most memorable and cherished British trails.
A Pennine Journey
I was beguiled by this fascinating story of Alfred Wainwright's solitary 211-mile walk through the Pennines on the eve of war in 1938.
Walking Home
"So observant, so funny and so intensely likeable," wrote The Telegraph's critic. I wholeheartedly agree—Simon Armitage's account is a superb read.
The Backbone of England
Subtitled "Life and Landscape on the Pennine Watershed", this is a lovely tribute to those who live in and love the Pennines.
Byways, Boots and Blisters
A rich history of walkers and rambling by Bil Laws, including profiles of Benny Rothman, Tom Stephenson, and Alfred Wainwright.
Extreme Sleeps
Written by Phoebe Smith, this engaging book charts her humorous and adventurous experiences as a solitary UK wild camper.
Along the Divide
Prolific backpacker Chris Townsend recounts his continuous trek following the mountainous watershed spine of Scotland.
At the Loch of the Green Corrie
For anyone seeking the quiet contemplation and inspiration of Assynt and north-west Scotland, Andrew Greig's tribute is the perfect tonic.
The Lure of the Lake District
Steve Goodier shares his passion for fell-walking, highlighting lesser-known paths and surprising Lakeland curiosities.
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