Product Description

The Central Fells of the Lake District include treasures such as the ever-popular Langdale Pikes, the supremely lovely foothills overlooking Borrowdale and the 'silent forests and gaunt crags' above the dark waters of Thirlmere. For walkers heading in this direction, and lovers of the Lakeland fells, this is the guide to take. This second edition of The Central Fells by the great fell walker A. Wainwright has been brilliantly revised by Chris Jesty, a trained cartographer who worked with Wainwright on some of the maps in his later large-format guides. All footpaths have been rewalked, all routes checked, all maps and text updated. Paths and routes have been picked out in red to make them easier to follow, and parking information has been added. This new edition of the classic walking guide is Wainwright for the 21st century.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8340 in Books
• Published on: 2006-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 264 pages

Cumbria, November 2006
A. Wainwright for the 21st century with all the style but none of
the inaccuracies which had crept in as paths changed since Wainwright
walked them.

The Sunday Telegraph, 15th October 2006
This new edition retains all the charm of the original editions,
but it is accessible and appealing in equal measure to a new generation of
walkers.

TGO - The Great Outdoors, January 2007
Something's happened to the late AW's classic guidebooks!...The
updating makes them, once again, contemporary guides.

Customer Reviews

Perfect Companion To The Central Fells
If you have used a Wainwright guide before, you won't need to be informed any further just how wonderful these pocket books are. However, if you are a newcomer to the fells, or haven't come across this series yet, then please believe me when I say that there is simply no better companion to exploring the peaks of the Lake District.

For those whose interest is purely to walk the fells, these books cover every angle of the mountains to a remarkable extent, including route descriptions, maps, summit views, and some beautiful hand-drawn pictures by the author. Be aware that these guides cover the fells only, though, so for a wider coverage regarding attractions, etc. within the Lake District, you will require another guidebook in addition. I know that for me, at least, these books are more than enough!

Wainwright's books were fastidious and personal account of his Lakeland, which makes them a thoroughly enjoyable read - all too often now, most guides just describe facts in an incredibly detached manner, and how to get the most for your money.

Though I have a great deal of affection for the original books, I would recommend the revised editions, updated by Chris Jesty, which are distinguished from the original editions by the colour photographs on the cover. Wainwright himself was more than aware that in the future his guides would become steadily inaccurate, since mountain paths come and go over 50 years, and Mr Jesty has done a diligent job in detailing changes that have occurred to the original routes and their environment, whilst maintaining the spirit of the original guides. In addition, the paths are marked in red ink on the maps, making them much easier to follow whilst on the fells.

Though the book of each area is, in my opinion, essential whilst walking in that region of the Lakes, I must make some comment regarding the specific details of this book, The Central Fells. The region that could be considered the heart of the Lake District is not necessarily the highest, though it contains some of the most spectacular panoramas, especially from the summits of the Langdale Pikes. In addition, this area contains a personal, though perhaps unconventional, favorite of mine - Helm Cragg. I find that even in moody, overcast weather, I experience a certain solace standing amongst its shattered crown. Plus, it it not a particularly demanding climb.

In short, if you are new to walking in an area of the fells, or merely want a new perspective, these books are essential!