My late father had spent some of his formative years living in Keswick. We lived in Gateshead, so were taken there regularly in the hope that we would enjoy the place, but as it was always peeing down the visits had the opposite effect on my brothers and I. Aged 44 work took me to the Midlands, and I relocated to the outskirts of Derby. Having noticed neighbours packing their walking gear for weekend walks, curiosity got the better of me. I bought an OS map of the area and set about learning two things. Firstly recalling what I learned at school about map reading, and secondly exploring what was in the green bits where I lived. I went on a very good and cheap map & compass course then set off to explore further. Since then I've been up Snowdon, Kinder Scout, Blencathra via Sharp Edge, Newlands Horseshoe. Why? Solitude, enjoying the views many rarely see, enjoying a dayful of adventure for naff all cost. The observant among you will have noted that I did get the message dad was trying to put across; Sadly too late to share with him, but I do take his old walking pole with me so he can share the views and keep me safe. | 
Geoff Hume
