As 2021 draws to an end, I review four great books about Lakeland or walking: James Rebanks portrays three generations on a Cumbrian fell farm and finds the key to a sustainable future in the teachings of his grandfather. Chris Townsend walks Scotland’s spine. John Bainbridge takes us on furtive forays into Forbidden Britain; and Beth Pipe teams up with Karen Guttridge to blaze a new Lakeland trail, connecting the district’s distilleries.
- English Pastoral by James Rebanks
- Along the Divide by Chris Townsend
- The Compleat Trespasser by John Bainbridge
- Gin, Cake and Rucksacks by Beth Pipe and Karen Guttridge
Gin, Cake & Rucksacks
A fun-filled tour of Lakeland distillers
Beth Pipe & Karen Guttridge
2018, Palatine Books
A delightful book about gin, friendship, and stepping out of your comfort zone
Blazing a new walking trail across the beautiful Cumbrian landscape, visiting all the county’s distilleries, may sound like a spirited (sorry) yomp, and on one level it is, but it’s a lot more besides. It’s a book about taking a chance, stepping out of your comfort zone, having a novel idea and making it happen.
The twist is that the two authors were Facebook friends, who had never actually met before embarking on this shared adventure. Spending all day every day with a stranger, for the best part of two weeks, is a daunting prospect that might drive many of us to hit the gin. That being part of the plan anyway, Beth and Karen took the chance, and we get to hear the story from each of their perspectives.
The theme of taking a chance is echoed in the lives of the people they meet along the way. Most of the drinks manufacturers are not large corporations, but small independents, artisans operating from outhouses with a commitment to local authenticity, self-reliance, and creative vision. These are people who have also had a flash of inspiration, stepped off the bandwagon, and made it a reality.
It’s a book about friendship, social media, and taking the path less trodden. It’s also about gin, cake, and rucksacks, and it’s a treasure troves of artistically drawn maps, route info, and tempting cocktail recipes.
Follow Beth’s and husband, Steve’s, blog: CumbrianRambler.blogspot.com
Merry Xmas, George, and much more happy walking in 2022. Stay safe.
Thank you, Martin. A merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year to you too.
Always enjoy your photos and blogs.merry Christmas to you and your family
Thank you. Merry Christmas to you too.
Hi. Here’s a good one I read years ago: A Walk Through Britain, by John Hillaby.
I’ll look that out, Neil. Thank you.
These are well-done reviews, George, and you make a persuasive salesman. I naturally gravitate toward gin and cake, of course, but The Compleat Trespasser sounds particularly exciting. Except the part about having a gamekeeper shooting at you (I assume that’s actionable in the UK?) I remember reading about the right to roam when I visited Norway, but it was a short trip and didn’t get much opportunity to take advantage of it. English Pastoral also sounds interesting, particularly because it’s someone who grew up on the land and experienced modern farming practices, rather than someone taking up organic farming as an escape from a corporate or academic career, say, as I’ve read a number of times.
And I’ll take this opportunity to say Happy Holidays! Season’s Greetings! And Best Wishes for the New Year. Thanks for all the great posts, I’ve enjoyed every one of ’em.
Thank you, Robert. You always so generous (and entertaining) with your comments. English Pastoral is an exceptional book, not only for author’s authenticity and experience, but for the sheer quality of the writing.
The Compleat Trespasser is riveting. Being shot at would be actionable, but the author chooses not too. I’ll say no more in case you want to read it.
Happy holidays and the very best for 2022 to you too.
An interesting and eclectic collection George, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
Thank you, Andrea!