OS inspires Lake District adventures

Outstanding Walks Lake District brings together a handpicked selection of more than 300 inspirational places and features for walkers of all levels and abilities to discover and visit across the National Park and beyond.

It contains 60 walks, complete with overview mapping, broken down into 27 short walks under three miles, 18 half-day walks, and 15 full-day hikes.

Whether it’s treading a path to remote Cathedral Cave, sitting and admiring Rannerdale’s magnificent bluebell display in spring, or making the climb along the most satisfying route to England’s highest point, Scafell Pike, the book is full of ideas to rouse people into memorable day trips outside.

The illustrated book also highlights 48 ‘don’t miss’ sites and 42 scenic photo locations, showing off the variety of beautiful views, natural wonders and heritage spots around the lakes, coasts, woodlands and fells.

It is for anyone who loves the countryside, from experienced walkers to those who simply enjoy reading about the area and flicking through the pages of stunning photography.

Outstanding Walks Lake District author Vivienne Crow has spent 20 years of her career walking up and down the fells, mountains and valleys of the area to write travel guides and walking guides.

Her adventures and images have been captured within the book’s pages.

Vivienne said: “The idea behind the book is to inspire people. It’s not just experienced walkers – hopefully it will appeal to a broad range of readers and not necessarily people who are able to get out and walk on the fells.

“The book contains so many pictures that help tell something about the places and make people want to go and see.

“Over the winter, I went through thousands and thousands of photographs that were taken since 2005. It’s been really enjoyable gathering everything together and creating this book.”

Vivienne added: “There are so many fantastic walks. My favourite, if I had to pick one, would probably be around Crummock Water. It gives you a great sense of what the fells are all about because although you are walking at a low level, at the same time it's set in spectacular surroundings.”

The book also comes with a three-month premium OS Maps subscription and downloadable routes via QR codes. It will be available from Tuesday 7 October.

OS’s Managing Director for Leisure, Nick Giles OBE, said: “We believe this book is a fabulous compendium full of carefully selected locations that bring a wealth of walking ideas for all tastes and abilities.

“It includes ascents of Great Gable, Helvellyn and the Old Man of Coniston. It’s got suggestions across the Lake District and Cumbria, from RSPB Campfield Marsh on the shore of the Solway Firth in the north, to Arnside Knott, overlooking Morecambe Bay in the south. And then from St Bee’s Head in the west to Crosby Ravensworth Fell in Cumbria’s east.

“It is the ultimate guide to the most wonderful locations for sightseeing on foot in Cumbria and the National Park.”

Outstanding Walks Lake District is available for £25 from the OS Shop.