The BMC has teamed up with the Telegraph, TV presenter Mary-Ann Ochota and Marmot for a spectacular new short film series documenting five of of the greatest hill walks in the Lake District.
You can wander virtually anywhere in the Lake District and be bowled over by its scenic beauty. But even here in England’s hill walking heartland there are some routes that stand out in a crowded field.
In this new series of BMC TV films, we’ve tried to capture these classics. The walks are themed by what they offer: the best to beat the crowds, head out with the family, walk the dog, see the best summit view, or face a challenge.
Produced by Ben Winston, the films feature stunning aerial footage of some of Lakeland’s best-loved fells, including Blencathra, Scafell Pike and Great Gable. They are presented by Mary-Ann Ochota, a Cambridge-graduated anthropologist whose TV credits include the BBC’s Time Team, Channel 4’s Unreported World, and ITV’s Britain’s Secret Treasures.
Mary-Ann said: “It’s fantastic to be involved in these films. Hill walking is something almost everyone can do and it has massive benefits for health and wellbeing.
“The Lake District has sublime summits, picture-postcard landscapes, and some wonderful villages and pubs. There is also a great cultural tradition stretching from Wordsworth to Wainwright and far beyond. Get out there and explore it for yourself.”
Articles accompanying the films written by Mary-Ann were run on the Telegraph website in the week leading up to August Bank Holiday.
Hugh Harris from Marmot UK said: “We are very happy to support this series of authoritative but accessible films. Marmot UK is based right next to the Lake District so it’s great to see the places we know and love featured this way.
“These films show you don’t need to be a hardened mountaineer to have meaningful adventurous experiences – the Lake District hills are for everyone, and they are on our national doorstep.”
Carey Davies, BMC Hill Walking Development Officer, said: “People walk in the mountains for pleasure all around the world, but arguably they first started doing it here. The Lake District is our hill walking heartland, and once you get hooked on it you have a lifetime of wonder to look forward to. I hope these films convey why.”
Without further ado, here are the films. Enjoy!
Great Gable and Kirk Fell: best for panoramic views
VIDEO
This walk from Wasdale involves a lung-bursting climb of Kirk Fell, but it leads you to the summit of Great Gable, and arguably the finest view in the region; a life-affirming 360-degree panorama encompassing all that is wonderful about the Lake District.
Read Mary-Ann's article for the Telegraph about this walk
Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route: the best for beating the crowds
VIDEO
As you’d expect for England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike can get extremely busy, especially in summer. But most of the crowds miss arguably the finest way up it. The walk up the Corridor Route from Borrowdale is long and demanding, but is the connoisseur’s way to the roof of England.
Read Mary-Ann's article for the Telegraph about this walk
High Street from Haweswater: the best for dog-walkers
VIDEO
Want to wander lonely as a cloud with your pooch for company? This walk over High Street, so called because of the Roman Road which once ran right across its spectacular plateau, is a stile-free treat, with some of the most stirring views in the entire Lake District.
Read Mary-Ann's article for the Telegraph about this walk
Catbells: the best for families
VIDEO
Getting kids into the hills could be easier than you think. This walk ticks all the child-friendly boxes; a fun boat ride across Derwentwater, a lakeside woodland stroll and a spectacular climb of Catbells, a true mini-mountain for mini-mountaineers.
Read Mary-Ann's article for the Telegraph about this walk
Blencathra via Hall's Fell: the best for a challenge
VIDEO
Accessible and with routes to suit everyone, Blencathra is one of Britain’s most popular mountains. The famous author Alfred Wainwright believed its challenging Hall’s Fell ridge was “the finest way to any mountain top in the district.” Was he right?
Read Mary-Ann's article for the Telegraph about this walk
Join online today by Direct Debit and save 25% on your first year's membership .
WATCH: What does the BMC do for hill walkers?
GET THE KNOWLEDGE: BMC resources for hill walkers
« Back