Book of the year
SWIMMING WILD IN THE LAKE DISTRICT by Suzanna Cruickshank
WHETHER YOU’RE an experienced wild swimmer or just dipping your toes into the water for the first time, this book by wild swimming guide Suzanna Cruickshank will inspire you to pack your trunks or swimsuit on your next Lake District holiday. Part guidebook, part personal account of the joys of wild swimming, Swimming Wild in the Lake District explores secluded wild swimming locations in Windermere and Derwent Water and takes you to the tranquil hidden gems of Bassenthwaite Lake, Crummock Water and Devoke Water. Illustrated with stunning photography and featuring overview maps, the book has all the practical information you need to plan your wild swimming adventure. “It’s an amazing book, providing a different perspective to such a beautiful area” said one voter, while another described it as “a lovely book that inspires you to actually do something”.
Terry Abraham: Life on the Mountains by Terry Abraham
“Needless to say, I’m thrilled that readers have taken delight from my book – and hopefully it has brought smiles and hope during dark ,” said Terry on receiving his Silver award. Best-known for his Life of a Mountain trilogy of documentaries, this is filmmaker Terry’s debut book. It features more than 100 exclusive photos from a decade on the fells, as well as poignant insight into Terry’s life. He speaks candidly about his troubled early life, a disowned father, depression and his love of real ale, before revealing the tricks and techniques of his craft and detailing the landscapes he’s grown to love. “This guy deserves a knighthood” said one TGO reader.
Never Leave the Dog Behind by Helen Mort
Never Leave the Dog Behind is a compelling account of mountain adventures and misadventures, and award-winning author Helen Mort captures the unbridled joy of heading to the hills with a four-legged friend. She sets out to understand the singular relationship between dogs, mountains and the people who love them. Along the way, she meets search and rescue dogs, interviews climbers and spends time on the hills with hounds. The book is also a personal memoir, telling the author’s own story of falling in love with a whippet called Bell during a transformative year in the Lake District. “Dogs and mountains – this books combines the best two things in life”, said one voter.