"A thoughtful and characterful exploration of one of our most visited National Parks"
As a frequent traveler to the Lake District and a keen hillwalker myself, I picked up Lost in the Lakes with low expectations of improving my local knowledge – I was very mistaken. Tom Chesshyre weaves his way in and out of the fells, through towns and villages, over passes and around lakes like any other explorer with thirty days to spare might, but he does so with exceptional journalistic talent. His particular skill is in meeting interesting people, immediately bonding with them and extracting their best stories. He documents these with great humour and describes the characters he meets with much colour, bringing the whole tapestry to life.
These interactions, combined with his own research and visits to places of interest introduce an historical aspect to the book and it is not long before it is obvious that the gifts bestowed upon the Lake District – above and below the ground – have given it a uniquely dense industrial and cultural heritage. One thing I particularly liked about Lost in the Lakes is how Chesshyre digs around in this history while also musing over current affairs – in particular, Ukraine and the economy keep coming up. It is this combination of being in the moment and delving into the past that gives the book its authentic travel journal feel – you really do feel as though you are along for the walk and joining in the experience. It’s an immersive read, he is lost in thought, and perhaps this is what is meant by the word Lost in the title – although he does once or twice get literally lost as well!
The Lake District is not without its challenges (apart from the walking ones!), and despite the biscuit tin image which draws in up to 20 million visitors a year, it has economic and social problems, not to mention being vulnerable to devastating floods. Chesshyre unpicks some of this with the people he meets, and the picture built is of a place grateful for its tourism and the revenues that provides, but frustrated by the flip side which comes with second home ownership and holiday rentals pricing out the locals and affecting employment. On the surface, the Lake District is breathtakingly beautiful, but Chesshyre also gives that surface a scratch to see what lies below.
Summersdale, the publisher, has presented the book beautifully and it will no doubt be appearing in the windows of gift shops throughout the Lake District national park this summer. It will certainly make a suitable gift for anyone who loves the Lakes but it is also perfect for anyone who likes to walk anywhere, and who enjoys that unique combination of escapism, exploration, reflection and contentment that only comes from moving slowly and thoughtfully through space and time within a beautiful landscape.
Further, if you are planning on walking in the Lake District, particularly hillwalking, Alfred Wainwright’s pictorial guides are essential reading, and The Wainwrights Pocket Log is a great way of keeping a simple record of your summits.
| Primary Genre | Travel |
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