After more than two years of walking to and from seven particular trees in Cumbria, it seems that whenever we venture out, our sense of place is always felt in relation to these trees. Invisible lines of connection across the land are ingrained into our mental maps – but it is more than intellectual: our… Read More
The fifth installation: seven stones, a poem created during seven hours walking, and thoughts on tension and points of view. Read More
the Dark Walks – dusk and dawn at seven trees of The Long View – taking a closer look, tree by tree. We begin with the Wasdale Oak … Read More
The day after midwinter’s day and we’re off the hills, sitting in the warmth of Tebay services enjoying a decent coffee and watching the weather through the window, and just wanted to share a few pictures and thoughts before we head away from our computers again for Christmas. All through last night and when we… Read More
I have wondered what it is that leaves the small bones of rodents amongst the limestone beneath the Little Asby Hawthorn. Yesterday, under the cloud-scudded blue of a warm summer sky, I was given a clue. As we strode … Read More
Back in 1217, two years after the Magna Carta was written, Henry III signed the Forest Charter. Since then, a lot has changed. Ancient woodland has disappeared at an alarming rate and, according to the Woodland Trust: “…society in the UK has never been more disconnected from its trees. Individuals are less likely to spend… Read More
Seven days in the fells, simply, walking. No roof but the sky, air always fresh, bodies engaged, minds on the simple task of putting one foot in front of the other and the gentle but necessary concentration that comes with that – walking on uneven paths with a heavy load requires a focused mind. When… Read More
Seven Trees Seven Days, embracing the Summer Solstice More than eighty miles walking The Lake District’s highest fells Camping under the sky’s short nights That’s it. We’re committed. Our bags are packed and our route is planned. Tomorrow we begin to walk from the Little Asby Hawthorn, the easternmost of the seven trees, and steadily tread… Read More
The weather was in our favour. We set off in a light drizzle, which you might think is a bad thing, but it felt very welcome after the searing heat of the last two weeks. Clouds were teasing the tops of the fells all around us, concealing, revealing, and adding a drama to a landscape coming… Read More
THE LONG VIEW