Coast to Coast with Wainwright

This is a new edition of the classic photographic book containing the walk A. Wainwright devised in 1973, covering rights of way and areas of open access between the Irish sea and the North Sea. The route starts at St Bees Head and finishes at Robin Hood Bay, passing through three National Parks: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, all areas of outstanding beauty. Providing a wide and varied range of scenery with changing landscapes over a distance of 190 miles, it is one of the most challenging of long-distance walks. The text has been updated to take account of minor changes in the terrain and the result is not merely the most beautiful but also the most authoritative and useful book on the much loved Coast to Coast walk. For this new edition, many of the photographs have been retaken by the legendary lakeland photographer, Derry Brabbs. The result is the transformation of an already fine book into something spectacular.

About the Author :
Born in Blackburn in 1907, Alfred Wainwright left school at the age of 13. A holiday at the age of 23 kindled a life-long love affair with the Lake District. Following a move to Kendal in 1941 he began to devote every spare moment he had to researching and compiling the original seven Pictorial Guides. He described these as his 'love letters' to the Lakeland Fells and at the end of the first, The Eastern Fells, he wrote about what the mountains had come to mean to him: "I suppose it might be said, to add impressiveness to the whole thing, that this book has been twenty years in the making, for it is so long, and more, since I first came from a smoky mill-town (forgive me, Blackburn!) and beheld, from Orrest Head, a scene of great beauty, a fascinating paradise, Lakeland's mountains and trees and water. That was the first time I had looked upon beauty, or imagined it, even. Afterwards I went often, whenever I could, and always my eyes were lifted to the hills. I was to find then, and it has been so ever since, a spiritual and physical satisfaction in climbing mountains -- and a tranquil mind upon reaching their summits, as though I had escaped from the disappointments and unkindnesses of life and emerged above them into a new world, a better world. In due course I came to live within sight of the hills, and I was well content. If I could not be climbing, I was happy to sit idly and dream of them, serenely. Then came a restlessness and the feeling that it was not enough to take their gifts and do nothing in return. I must dedicate something of myself, the best part of me, to them. I started to write about them, and to draw pictures of them. Doing these things, I found they were still giving and I still receiving, for a great pleasure filled me when I was so engaged -- I had found a new way of escape to them and from all else less worth while. Thus it comes about that I have written this book. Not for material gain, welcome though that would be (you see I have not escaped entirely!); not for the benefit of my contemporaries, though if it brings them also to the hills I shall be well pleased; certainly not for posterity, about which I can work up no enthusiasm at all. No, this book has been written, carefully and with infinite patience, for my own pleasure and because it has seemed to bring the hills to my own fireside. If it has merit, it is because the hills have merit." A. Wainwright died in 1991 at the age of 84. Derry Brabbs is regarded as one of England's finest photographers within the sphere of heritage and landscape, with over 20 illustrated books to his credit. His stunning colour photographs for the worldwide best-seller James Herriot's Yorkshire contributed to its success. He is the author of several beautifully photographed titles celebrating England's landscape and architectural legacy. Derry lives in Harrogate. To visit Derry Brabbs' website click here

Review :
This large coffee-table book will appeal equally to those who have no intention of walking across our wild and beautiful landscape, but who love the countryside and can enjoy the remarkable views captured by a gifted photographer - from the comfort of their own armchairs. Derry has matched many of his shots with the sketches of the same view by A.W. and it's amazing how accurate Wainwright's drawings were, making us even more appreciative of the genius he certainly was. Keswick Reminder With sumptuous, mouth-watering new photographs by legendary Lakeland photographer Derry Brabbs and a new up-dated text to take into account the changes in the terrain, this is surely the most beautiful and authoritative book on the much loved walk to be published. Grange Now! Those not ready for the challenge can enjoy views of Haweswater, the Howitzer on Helm Cragg, Striding Edge, Hellvellyn and many other landmarks without leaving their armchairs. Cumbria Life This revised one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about Wainwright's classic 300km UK walk comes complete with diagrams and an alluring array of images. Wanderlust A revised edition based on Wainwright's original route, with many of his distinctive illustrations and maps. But it is the colour photographs by landscape photographer Derry Brabbs which really make you reach for your boots. Thank you Wainright and Brabbs. Now I need a spare fortnight. BBC Countryfile A book to treasure and will be coveted as a reminicense for those who have done the walk, a place to plan and dream for those whoare thinking of doing it and a book to admire for those who like walking books with fabulous photographs, particularly of scenery. Irish Mountain Log A real delight for the eye, with some extraordinary pictures of scarlet sunsets, snow covered hills, sparkling lakes, commanding castles and pretty little villages. As beautiful as the first edition and even more comprehensive. Good Book Guide The transformation of an already fine book into something spectacular. This now makes it not merely the most beautiful but also the most authoritative book on the much-loved Coast to Coast walk. Footsteps