Mark Reid’s latest book – Walking Weekends: Lake District – helps repair paths in Lake District
Millions of us head to the Lake District each year to enjoy the Lakeland outdoor experience. Mark Reid believes it is important to do this in a sustainable way that gives something back to the local economy and environment.
Mark Reid’s latest guidebook Walking Weekends: Lake District brings together all of the right ingredients for a weekend of great walking in the Lake District in a single book – traditional Lakeland pubs, attractive villages, historical information and superb walks.
This guidebook promotes sustainable tourism as it gives something back to the local area. For every book sold Mark Reid gives a percentage of the profits to the ‘Fix the Fells’ appeal, which provides funding to repair and maintain Lakeland’s eroded upland paths.
This erosion problem has been exacerbated by the recent floods in Cumbria, which have not only had a considerable impact on people, their property and livelihoods but also the natural environment, with damage to footpaths, bridges, hillsides and river channels. The clean-up will take months, but needs financial support to complete the job.
“All of my ‘Walking Weekends’ and ‘Inn Way’ guidebooks feature this pay-back scheme with a percentage of profits going towards conservation and footpath repair projects in the respective national park. To date my books have raised £1,875 for various projects in the Yorkshire Dales, Peak District, Northumberland and Lake District national parks. I firmly believe that you should add more than you take. By buying these books and then undertaking any of the walks, you are not only benefitting from great exercise, fresh air and wonderful landscapes but you are also making a positive contribution to the future of our National Parks by boosting the local economy whilst also making a donation towards conservation work.” explained Mark Reid.
Walking Weekends: Lake District features 24 circular walks from 12 villages throughout the Lake District, with a mountain walk and a low-level walk from each village. The weekend away is part of the British way of life; a relaxing break that can be taken several times a year to recharge batteries and meet up with old friends. Walking Weekends: Lake District encourages people to stay at a local country pub for a weekend and then use it as a base from where to explore the surrounding countryside on foot. This then has direct benefits for the rural economy with people staying, eating and drinking locally.
“12 million pairs of feet every year cause a lot of erosion. Fix the Fells works to ensure that the spectacular Lake District landscape is maintained for future generations to enjoy. All purchasers of this guide help to provide the funds so that we can achieve that aim” explained Richard Fox, Fix the Fells Project Officer with the Lake District National Park Authority.
“I’m absolutely delighted that my Walking Weekends book is bringing people to the Lake District to discover its wealth of beautiful villages and stunning landscapes in a positive and environmentally friendly way. It’s great that I can also share some of its success and give money to the Fix the Fells appeal.” added Mark.
