This month marks the 20-year anniversary of Mountainmere, and to commemorate the occasion I feel the urge to write about the events before and shortly after its foundation; these highlight the contributing factors which led to my transition from reader to publisher. This was a hedonistic 5-year period; one in which employment was placed firmly in the back seat to allow me to follow my passions, reassess my career path and put life into perspective. I have already detailed parts of this journey, and this post will plug the gaps in the narrative. 

After first becoming aware of Millican Dalton in 1996 and pursuing some background reading, in 2000 my research began in earnest. At this time, I was working a three-day weekend shift at a polystyrene packaging factory which gave me four free days per week. The work itself was mind-numbing, but I used the freedom to conduct my research and travel around the UK, all done without a care in the world. I visited huge swathes of the country and covered thousands of miles; one week I would be in the Outer Hebrides, and the next in Dorset. It was a wonderful combination of work and pleasure, and once the day’s research was completed, it was playtime. In rural areas I would pitch a tent or bivvy in the most scenic spot I could find, and in urban areas I often ‘slept rough’ in bus shelters, seafront pavilions, or on park benches, railway platforms and under bridges. Not only was this adventurous, but it was also a way of saving money for other activities. 

On one occasion I flew from Land’s End to the Isles of Scilly with a friend, where we cheekily pitched a tent on the village green in the heart of Hugh Town on St Mary’s. The next day, after leaving our rucksack against the door of the local police station whilst we went exploring on Tresco, we returned to be quizzed by the island Bobby. “You can’t leave items here, it’s a security risk. Did you camp on the village green last night?” said the officer. There was no point lying, so I simply admitted “Yes.” “That’s very naughty, very naughty indeed” were the officer’s exact words. Hey-ho!

On another occasion we spent the night on Torquay promenade and, after getting friendly with the local homeless, enjoyed a couple of ciders with them (the same people we had seen drunkenly bouncing around the resort and begging for money during the day). Not one to judge, we went to the car for our camping kit and on our return laid out our sleeping bags in one of the shelters. I was woken in the early morning by a guy named Rocky who was tapping on my arm. “Hey Skin! Skin! You’ve left your can of cider,” he said, “do you mind if I have it? I thought I’d ask, as we don’t nick off our own.” I didn’t bother correcting him. These types of adventures provided the perfect work-life balance. 

I initially had no intention of writing a book, but in early 2002 as my research material multiplied, I had a eureka moment when I realised there was enough content for a biography, and this became my focus in life.  

There was a pause in my research for the summer of 2002 when I was made redundant, after which, along with a couple of friends, we seized the opportunity and went to live in a tent at Sennen Cove, a beautiful sandy bay near Land’s End in Cornwall. We worked at W. Harvey & Son’s fish processing plant in Newlyn, shelling brown crabs and eating Cornish pasties every day for lunch. Each evening after work we would drive back to Sennen and walk along the beach, stopping off for a pint or two at the Old Success before returning to our tent. It was rinse and repeat. At weekends we would dive headfirst off the cliffs at Piskies Cove, walk along the South West Coast Path, bodysurf at Whitesand Bay or travel to Penzance, Newquay, or Looe for a couple of nights on the pop. It was a wonderful time, most of which was spent outdoors; we were free as can be! However, it wasn’t all fun and games and, as you can imagine, three guys living in a tent for five months was far from ideal and we ended up falling out more than once.  

As the season ended, we returned home, and then in June 2003 I moved to the Lake District to complete my book. Weirdly inspired by the lifestyles portrayed in Jimmy McGovern’s TV drama The Lakes, I took up a live-in position in the kitchens of the Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere and used the time between split-shifts to write; often outside amongst the fells such as on Post Knott or at my computer in the staff digs. I would spend the rest of my time partying at the Stags Head and Wheelhouse or swimming, mountain biking and wild camping wherever took my fancy. Late nights and early mornings followed by scrubbing pots and pans for ten hours was hard work, and the £4 per hour was verging on slave labour, so I chucked in the job and moved on. Positions were very easy to find, and you could quit a job on a Monday evening and start a new job on a Tuesday morning. 

My partner at the time, a Sydneysider, returned from a few months at home on a family visit, and we then relocated to the Montclare Guest House on Crag Brow where she had a live-in position. The place was handy for the services in Bowness, but the noise from vehicles and late-night revellers was unbearable. Moving on once more, nomad style, we found lodgings in The Hollies on Hazel Street, Windermere. This was shared accommodation within an old cotton merchant’s house, and we had a room on the top floor with amazing views over the rooftops to the Langdale Pikes, Claife Heights and beyond—it was a perfect spot for creativity. Settled, we spent our spare time between walking around the Lakeland valleys, boating, and passing evenings at Millerground on the lake shore where we would enjoy a couple of beers and a meal cooked over a campfire; and night’s out in Windermere’s Queen’s Hotel and Grey Walls, or Bowness’s Bodega and The Hole in t’Wall. 

I was then offered what I considered to be the perfect job as a warden at the National Trust’s Low Wray Campsite, but, unwisely, I chose to work behind the bar at the Kirkstone Pass Inn because it offered a whopping 50p per hour more. On my first day I arrived as planned at 10am and knocked on the door. Left waiting I almost walked away but in need of employment I continued to wait. Ten minutes passed before a small child answered the door and said “Mum is still in bed, she said you can come in.” The bar was a bombsite: dirty plates and glasses galore. I once again thought about walking but eking out every inch of patience, I stayed put. At 11am the landlady emerged and asked, “Can you take my daughter to school?” which was six miles away. Slightly shocked I said “OK,” thinking it would be in her car…but no, I was expected to act as taxi driver in my own vehicle. Journey completed I went back to the bar and proceeded clear the bombsite and serve the odd passing customer. The place and its atmosphere were grim, and I never returned the next day…in fact I didn’t even bother asking for my pay. The inn is apparently haunted, and its true! I saw plenty of headless pints! 

Next up was a cleaning job at Booth’s supermarket in Windermere. This was a part time job but one that almost paid double the minimum wage, and with a 10am finish the extra free time allowed me to finalise my work ahead of publishing. Hearing of many authors and their multi-year struggles with sourcing a publisher and securing a book deal; and of tales of authors who had signed a deal only to lose control of their work, I decided to establish my own publishing house. This became a pivotal moment. Maintaining full control of all decisions was a priority and as a result, confident in my own ability, in February 2004 Mountainmere was born. 

With a finished manuscript, titled Millican Dalton: A Search for Romance & Freedom, I visited Alan Hankinson in Keswick and passed him a copy to read and check. Given his age, I think it was a little much for him and he gave me the manuscript back unedited. I proofread it myself and then looked for a typesetter, selecting Indent Ltd of Kendal. They worked hand in hand with printers Titus Wilson, also of Kendal. Both businesses helped immensely and within a month the first print run of 500 books were ready for collection. By then I was working in the First Floor Cafe at Lakeland Limited in Windermere, and I popped out of work and went to collect them, returning to work once the books were taken home. It was a monumental day. 

The days and months that followed were dedicated to publishing—press releases were sent out, a marketing campaign initiated, and publicity copies distributed—and I was quickly inundated with orders. Book deliveries made in person ensued, along with exhibitions and interviews. Living in the Lake District, my main market, allowed me to keep a close focus on the bookshops and restocking was easy. I managed to maintain a close, personal relationship with the owners who were fully supportive. It was a dream start for a fledgling independent business. 

Tired of washing pots, I moved on from the First Floor Café and then had a couple of temporary jobs—as night porter at the Langdale Chase and an attendant at the garage in Troutbeck Bridge—before securing a decent position at Windermere Service Station in the centre of the village, just two minutes from where I lived. The owner, Chris Simpson, was a good guy and I enjoyed working there. He bought a crazy, pumped-up Toyota Hilux to irritate the Lake District National Park Authority who, in alliance with other parties, had imposed the 10mph nautical speed limit on Windermere in March 2005. Chris considered them personally responsible for curtailing his enjoyment of waterskiing and powerboating on the very lake he had frequented for decades. Chris had been part of the bitter 8-year campaign against the ban, so had his reasons for being aggrieved. I liked his style. It was a very social place to work and with tourists and locals calling in I spent a great deal of time chewing the cud with them. There were perks, too, and in the quiet times I worked on my lectures, book promotions and advanced my vision for Mountainmere. 

At the end of 2005 I left the Lake District having met a wide range of colourful characters and with more knowledge than when I arrived. The high cost of living and the poor wages made life relatively difficult; and on departing I went exploring the east coast of Australia. My career path and perspective on life had been moulded in a way I could have never imagined, and I wouldn’t change a thing. You may gather that anyone can write, publish, and promote a book if you have the passion—whatever your background. 

Since then, Mountainmere has performed well, fortunately managing to withstand the passage of time, and changing markets (have you noticed how many bookshops have closed?), whilst other larger publishers fell by the wayside. This is testament to readers who have shown their support by purchasing my products and to them I owe my lasting gratitude. 

Here is to another 20 years!

I always like to be contacted out of the blue, there's something exciting about it. I also like to collaborate (a term I use often), and to be invited to be involved in subjects close to my heart. I've had many of these experiences over the years, but this is immaterial, and when I was contacted recently my excitement was still provoked.

The latest contact came about after Chris Butterfield of Wainwright Books & Memorabilia had forwarded my details to David Felton, founder of Inspired by Lakeland (www.inspiredbylakeland.co.uk) and the producer of the Countrystride series of podcasts (www.countrystride.co.uk), who initially sent me an email invite to talk about Millican Dalton. I instead proposed to talk about my book Skiddaw Hermit: The Struggles of George Smith, but David thought this might be a little dark, and wanted something a little lighter to brighten up the winter days for his listeners.

My acceptance was followed by a comprehensive agenda created by David which he had created from his copy of Millican Dalton: A Search for Romance & Freedom. The plan was set for us to follow in the footsteps of one of Lakeland’s greatest characters—and neglected icons—the self-styled Professor of Adventure. Mark Richards (www.markrichardswalking.co.uk), author of the acclaimed Fellranger guides and a linescape artist in the mould of Alfred Wainwright, would act as interviewer and David would be responsible for the sound recording. This, if you are aware of the Countrystride podcasts, is their usual format; one that has garnered an impressive audience.

On 15 January 2022, leaving my car in Stonethwaite, I made the short walk to our pre-arranged meeting point at the car park in Rosthwaite where David and Mark were waiting. I reintroduced myself to Mark as it had been 17 years since we first met at the 2005 Lakeland Book of the Year Awards where we chatted over a glass of fizz before the ceremony began. He was an upbeat, jolly soul then, and he was just the same after all those years. David was equally pleasant, and we chatted briefly about the day ahead.

We left the car park and village hall behind, and we first stopped off at Yew Tree Farm with a plan to stop at other points along the way intersecting the walk with interviews. Our first discussion was about Dalton’s early life and his family’s decision to quit the wide-open spaces of Nenthead for the London smog. Conversations relating to my work, including the subject of Molly Lefebure and the republishing of Scratch & Co. The Great Cat Expedition filled the gaps between interviews. The process was incredibly well planned, and it was clear that David had done his homework. Continuing on past Yew Tree Farm, we followed the path deep into Millicanshire, otherwise known as Wainwright’s ‘loveliest square mile’ or the Jaws of Borrowdale, walking parallel to the River Derwent and crossing at New Bridge before ascending the south-side of Castle Crag and up past the mine workings to the summit.

There we paused for breath and admired the 360-degree view, along with many other hikers who were making the most of the dry weather. Mark’s commentary on the summit proved his knowledge of the Lake District—its history and topography—is unrivalled. His descriptions of the panorama were a delight to witness; the names of mountains rolling off his tongue one by one in perfect sequence. Continuing the interview, we discussed Millican’s exit from the rat race and his establishment as a mountaineering guide, his subsequent promotion of adventure holidays where he pioneered mixed-sex camping parties and the role he played in the development of lightweight camping equipment.

Mark then said “Ok, I think it’s time to visit the cave. I’ll let you lead the way.” Rather than retrace our route back down to the Rosthwaite to Grange path, I thought I would inject a little adventure into the walk à la Millican Dalton, and taking the initiative I suggested an alternative course off the beaten track down the east-flank direct to the cave so we could leave the crowds behind. It’s a challenging descent, yet despite the rough terrain and huge number of fallen trees Mark did exceptionally well, and you would never guess he is a septuagenarian. Passing directly under the crag, we descend on the cave, where we entered and continued the interview. This provoked interest from startled hikers who arrived at the cave for a look around. Mark was quick to introduce us and passed on his business cards informing the hikers of our purpose and asking them to tune into the forthcoming podcast. From there we proceeded to the side of the River Derwent at Low Hows Wood and halted on the pebbled bank for the last interview segment before David and Mark went to meet their lift at Grange-in-Borrowdale and I made my return to Stonethwaite.

David’s resulting podcast is a professional, high quality and beautifully edited production. His clever use of ambient sound coupled with Mark’s cheery tones and exquisite descriptions enable the listener to transport themselves directly into various scenes.

On the day the podcast was published online, my partner and I listened during a journey to Glenluce in Scotland, and it certainly made the long drive more enjoyable. I recommend you too join the Countrystride podcast and follow in the footsteps of Millican Dalton. I will certainly look forward to the next person to contact me out of the blue!

Fifteen years ago today I relaunched a Wainwright illustrated title at an event quite unlike any other. In this blog post I recollect my story of a hobby that has turned into a literary odyssey.

Hailing from the same town as Wainwright, I have upheld a longterm interest in the local heritage. In addition to our connections with the cotton trade, as a community we are also proud to be home to the birthplace of Alfred Wainwright. I was first introduced to AW through my dad, a keen walker and owner of the Pictorial Guides, and in the 1980s we used them to explore the Lakeland Fells together. Subsequently, Wainwright calendars and diaries, received as Christmas presents, and my passion for the Lake District, moulded me into a fellow 'Fellwanderer.' Thereafter, during the early 1990s, I commuted past AW's erstwhile home on a daily basis, each time taking note of the blue plaque on its frontage dreaming of one day following in his footsteps and relocating to Cumbria.

Fast forward to the year 1996 and Wainwright again featured as a positive influence. On this occasion it was a page in Book Six, The North Western Fells which was brought to my attention. It detailed a 'Professor of adventure' who lived in the quarried caves on the eastern flank of Castle Crag in Borrowdale. Initial background research into this character, better known as Millican Dalton, resulted in me fulfilling my dream and establishing a home in Cumbria. There I paid my way by working in the kitchens of Windermere, and in my free time I wrote, then published, my first book: Millican Dalton: A Search for Romance & Freedom; a book that has seen a great deal of success. Thank you for the inspiration, Mr. Wainwright!

The following decade, and with the centenary of Wainwright's birth approaching, I contemplated what I could do to commemorate the milestone, and highlight his celebrated links to Blackburn. Yes, I hear you say, there was already the blue plaque, a legacy with Blackburn Rovers Supporters Club, and his connections with the Town Hall; but at that time there was nothing else to officially acknowledge him as a son of our town—no Wainwright Bridge, Thwaites Wainwright Golden Ale, Wainwright Monument at Pleasington, or Wainwright Way orbital road. This led me to develop the idea of a Wainwright Centenary Trail which would take in relevant sites around Blackburn, and so, in early 2006, I approached Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. At that point they showed no interest in creating a permanent trail or acclaiming AW's centenary in 2007, but we agreed to undertake a joint venture—a guided walk around the Borough as part of a local walking festival. The walk went ahead and a group of thirty stalwart Wainwright fans met outside the Town Hall before taking in the other locations associated with AW, culminating with a visit to his birthplace at 331 Audley Range where the resident kindly invited our group inside for a look around.

Taking my plans one step further, I then considered republishing one of the lesser known books illustrated by AW, in this instance Scratch & Co. The Great Cat Expedition; a rare book and one which I thought was more than worthy of a new lease of life. 

With my choice of book established, I contacted Molly directly after searching through the BT phonebook, and I was curtly directed to her agents Watson & Little; at which point I promptly made my apologies for my lack of publishing etiquette. Next I sent a letter (such a quaint act in these days of social media) to Betty Wainwright. After a couple of weeks I eventually received a telephone call during a day out in Keswick. It was Betty's carer. She had phoned on Betty’s behalf before passing the phone over. During this conversation I received permission to use AW's illustrations.

The contract negations with Watson & Little continued and I eventually signed on the dotted line. From this point forward my dealings with Molly became direct, and much more personal. Molly then invited me to her delightfully located home at Low High Snab in the Newlands Valley so we could introduce ourselves, and allow me the opportunity to scan the original Wainwright illustrations. We discussed the book's origin, which Molly told me, believe it or not, she wrote in three weeks (most of her books took years), and mentioned that Wainwright had forfeited his right to royalties; instead insisting his share should be donated to charity. 

The choice of illustrator was an easy one. AW was hugely successful and, of course, as we now know, very good friends with Molly, a fellow mountaineering connoisseur—a friendship originally started by post in 1957 after she wrote to him regarding an error in Book Two, The Far Eastern Fells. They shared a lot in common, not only their love of the countryside and the Lake District—but also for cats. When asked to illustrate Scratch & Co. the pair had still not met in person. Instead Molly had sent AW a manuscript and after reading it through he agreed to provide suitable illustrations. Holding Wainwright’s original artwork was a red letter day, and a moment I remember well. I read through the letters accompanying the illustrations written in typical Wainwright humour. 

Paying a visit to Kendal Library, I borrowed a first edition and typed up the manuscript. Progressing onto the book cover, I received a reprimand for incorrectly including the word 'debutants,' rather than 'devotees,' in the book’s synopsis, a genuine mistake made whilst hurriedly transcribing a telephone conversation. After being educated on the exact dictionary definition of a 'debutant' I was then told in no uncertain terms that Molly would write the synopsis herself and forward me a hardcopy. She was no shrinking violet, that's for sure; though at this point I still had no idea of who she really was.

Keeping with the pedigree of first edition I opted for the book to be typeset at Indent Ltd and printed at Titus Wilson, both of Kendal; this maintained the integrity of the book—wholly written, illustrated, typeset, and printed in Cumbria! The printing and binding ensued and David Rigg from Titus Wilson dropped off the books, 'hot off the presses,' at my home. No title such as this should be without a book launch, and that was the next consideration. You will have read elsewhere in this blog that the event took place on the summit of Scafell Pike, and took its place in the annals of history as England's highest book launch.

To set the publicity machine going full speed, I contacted the team at BBC Radio Cumbria and arranged for an interview with Molly. I collected her from home and drove to the studios in Carlisle; a day that she thoroughly enjoyed. Who can blame her? Tell me an author who doesn’t want to stay relevant!

2007 brought with it the annual Lakeland Book of the Year awards. I had entered Scratch & Co. and along with Molly attended the charity luncheon held at the Langdale Chase Hotel on the shores of Windermere. She was a well known figure among the attendees, and warmly welcomed.

Initial impressions of Molly made me think that she was rather short tempered or possibly something of a diva, but this could not have been further from the truth. Whilst she may have been a straight-talker, she was an open and welcoming person who invited my family and I into the heart of her home. Far from just being her publisher, we became friends—despite the huge age gap—and I spent many hours in her company.

We would sit in her kitchen around the Aga or in the lounge where I would listen intently to tales from the wartime years when she worked as private secretary to Professor Keith Simpson, the famous Home Office forensic pathologist. After becoming friendly with Simpson she chose to ditch her career as a London newspaper reporter to work on some of the biggest cases of the twentieth century. As the first woman in the world to work within a mortuary, she became known as "Miss Molly" or "Molly o’ the Morgue" by Scotland Yard detectives—after all she had assisted with the postmortems of 8000 corpses, many a time eating her lunch, placed unceremoniously next to those unfortunate souls, nonchalantly taking notes whilst Simpson dictated his findings. "If you can eat a ham sandwich in a morgue," she said, "you can eat anywhere."

On one visit she recollected chilling details behind the crimes of mass murderers John George Haigh, the Acid Bath Murder; and John Christie, the Rillington Place Strangler. I was even shown a black souvenir—Christie's calling card (Simpson and therefore, by default, Molly had been recruited as part of Christie's defence team). Serving justice was Albert Pierrepoint, the last hangman in Britain, who could be counted as one of her friends. Although clearly passionate about her work, something she put before romance and a settled home life, these stories were, as you can imagine, not taken lightly!

Moving on from her five-year employment with Simpson, Molly then turned author writing books in various fields. Funded by profits from her first book Evidence for the Crown, relating to her experiences with Simpson, she subsequently moved to the Lake District in 1957. She followed this with Murder with a Difference: The Cases of Haigh and Christie, after which came books on the Lake District (including Cumbrian Discovery, dedicated to Wainwright), two more novels, and writing for radio and television. Additionally, she was also author of acclaimed biographical studies of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Thomas Hardy. Acknowledging her sterling efforts Molly was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2010. Her grand finale was a third Coleridge study, Private Lives of the Ancient Mariner.

In time I learned of her six-year study into drug addiction at Guy's Hospital and more about her friendship with AW. Maintaining their correspondence by mail for 13 years, often weekly, the two of them had eventually met in person in 1970 when, along with husband John, she paid a visit to Kendal Green. Afterwards they met many times both on the fells, and at Low High Snab where Wainwright would sit on the terrace in front of the cottage in his immaculate, bright white shirts. Molly said that the many walkers who passed through her yard whilst busily reading their Pictorial Guides were unaware that the author was sat unnoticed only feet away—something said author took great pleasure in, for he was no lover of crowds.

It transpired that their friendship was something of a love-hate relationship; it was an attachment of highs and lows, of happy times and disagreements. Reading between the lines I was left with the sense that AW had a crush on Molly. On the flip side, whilst she admired his natural ability as a writer and artist, she was equally irked by his stubbornness (he always thought he was right) and a belief that he had become a Lakeland idol (I thought this was rather ironic considering there are many who do in fact consider him to be Lord of the Lakes). She was also critical of his guidebooks being of the opinion that they had facilitated the mass erosion of the high fells; his readers following his trails exactly, step by step, leading to heavy footfall in remote, sensitive areas. I was shown more letters and told more tales, pretty much as described in Wainwright—The Biography by Hunter Davies, and for this reason I will not elaborate further.

A Lake District aficionado, Molly happily relayed other stories ranging from her personal memories of Millican Dalton, an alleged explosive detonation of Broad Stand to make access easier, to her explorations of Goldscope Mine located on the fellside directly opposite her home. I can assure you all, Molly was an impressive raconteur!

Many times I was invited for lunch, and on one occasion was treated to the most delicious lamb cutlets marinated in Cumberland sauce and served with accompanying roast vegetables, after which she happily signed books for me after remarking, "I would normally have charged £10 per book, that was my usual fee. All for charity!" 

As a former member of the Blencathra Hunt, Molly made no apologies for her participation, and the walls of her home were adorned with taxidermy trophies. They were not the only animals encountered on my visits, and one of the more comical episodes I experienced was the time when my dad and I were 'ordered' into position by Molly to help round up a couple of Herdwick sheep from her yard at Low High Snab along with her husband John; it was akin to a skit from Benny Hill. Though they were well into their late 80s one would have never guessed as they were both very sprightly for their age.

In her twilight years our friendship waned, and I was saddened to hear of her passing in 2013 aged 93, yet forever thankful to have know such a remarkable woman whose tales I never tired of hearing.

Latterly AW inspired me once more, and in 2019, whilst reading Book Five, The Northern Fells, I was led towards the story of the Skiddaw Hermit—a wandering artist and tormented character suffering from mental health issues who lived for a while in a 'nest' on Dodd Fell. I took up the pen and once more began writing. My second book, Skiddaw Hermit: The Struggles of George Smith, was published in June 2021. I am currently finalising the second edition of Millican Dalton: A Search for Romance & Freedom, due to be published in January 2022.

I will continue reading my Pictorial Guides using them as both an aid and for inspiration, and look forward to discovering my next project. To you AW, my fellow Blackburnian, I doff my cap! The past twenty years, for me, have been a wonderful, educational journey.

Among the masses of emails we receive on a daily basis often lies a little gem. For example, in November 2014 I had a pearl of an email waiting in my inbox. It had come out of the blue from Peter Tat at the BBC who had made contact via my website asking for information on Millican Dalton; it was for a project he was working on. It just so happens that the programme was Countryfile, the BBC’s flagship programme. Following several further emails, I was subsequently invited to appear on the show.

You may be wondering why was I selected? The answer to that is very simple. The theme of their proposed show was “the great outdoors.” The countryside, as a free resource, is open for all to enjoy, and the programme looks to discover what can be done to inspire underrepresented groups and increase their involvement by highlighting past, present, and future initiatives which will encourage greater numbers to discover the joys of the great outdoors. Millican Dalton, a promoter of equal opportunities, fit the narrative—hence their wish to cover his story. As I am the man carrying the torch for Millican’s legacy, I became the go to person.

The show was to be centred in the Lake District and even though the national park ranks as one of the UK's top tourist destinations for people looking to enjoy the outdoors, few will realise that they are following in the footsteps of Millican Dalton, who introduced the first multi-activity adventure holidays for likeminded lovers of the countryside. He was the catalyst and by teaching others a wide array of skills enabled them to enjoy the outdoors. There was a clear push from the BBC towards Millican’s egalitarianism and the women he inspired to get involved in outdoor pursuits. Although women taking part in outdoor sports is far from a new phenomenon, it is currently an on-trend topic and one that the BBC champion. They wanted to show how his spirit of adventure lives on today.

Averaging 8.6 million viewers, the magnitude of receiving airtime on Countryfile cannot be underestimated, as publicity on this scale is totally unaffordable to small businesses. I relished the prospect and to be selected from a nation of millions was a real honour. I honestly believe opportunities don’t get bigger than this.

I heard nothing more, but after a wait of seven months the BBC’s researcher got back in touch with a date for filming. Clearly, planning  takes considerable time and as their filming days are bound by tight timescales coordination was the key.

On Tuesday 1 September the Countryfile crew descended on Borrowdale, and I met up with them later that day. At 430pm I found them at the side of the River Derwent at Gowd Dub as they were finalising the filming another piece for their aptly themed “the great outdoors” programme. With the segment finished, I guided the runner, camera and sound crew, Adam Henson and director Rupert Miles up to Millican’s Cave. The going was slow, and the walk up the rough track was tough for the crew due to the weight of their gear.

Reaching the cave, I took the chance to strike up conversation with Adam, talking to him about Cotswold Farm Park and his collection of rare breed animals, whilst the crew set up their cameras and carried out sound checks. It was a surreal experience after watching Adam on tv for years, and then be stood talking to him. He seemed a down-to-earth character, and happily answered my questions.

Limited by restricted daylight, there was no time to waste and with Rupert calling the shots the filming commenced. On cue Adam scrambled down the steep banking to the entrance of the “Attic” and gave the introduction to the segment. I was asked to stand in the lower cave as if inspecting the fauna. In an off-the-cuff interview, we took in both chambers, starting in the lower before moving up to the higher. Outside the "Attic" we talked about Millican’s promotion of women at a time when mixed-sex camping was regarded as a social taboo. Other questions focused on his alternative lifestyle, his contribution to the outdoor scene and the legacy he left behind.

We paused for the obligatory photo opportunity before Rupert called “it’s a wrap” and then Adam and the crew left for their accommodation at the Borrowdale Hotel.

I have since supplied several period photos, completed the necessary material release and copyright permissions forms, and directed them to a British Paramount News clip from 1941 in which Millican features. The show is ready to go and will be broadcast on 20 September 2015.

Millican Ltd co-founders, Jorrit and Nicky, are celebrating the first anniversary of their Millican Dalton inspired travel luggage brand with the release of a new collection of bags and accessories for 2010. Amongst their new products is a little gem of a daypack, which is equally at home on the daily commute as in the mountains.

Continuing the theme of naming their products after friends is this new daypack, which I am proud to announce has been named after yours truly. The entrepreneurial husband and wife team, who live in Keswick, took a two year break from their high-flying careers to decide on a new, more fulfilling future. I was amazed to eventually learn that my book Millican Dalton: A Search for Romance & Freedom was the inspiration behind the couples venture, and partnered with their love of vintage luggage, and their inside-out knowledge of business decided to take the plunge and put everything on the line in order to work for themselves from home running a business that reflected their eco-friendly outlook on life.

This daypack is a high-end, expensive piece of equipment, and the £120 price tag for a 22 litre capacity bag could be out of budget for all but the keenest greenies, but then value can't be measured just in pound notes, right? Jorrit and Nicky have decided to avoid the highly competitive budget market awash with £5 rucksacks. Instead, in return for you pounds, they offer what very few other travel brands do, and that's a range of sustainably sourced, ethical products with a conscience, based on proven classic designs. This means that this daypack, as with all their other bags, is made from the companies trademark materials which give the bag a tradition look and feel. The eco-conscientious, and of course other shoppers after something quirky, will be interested to note that the bag is a combination of 100% organic canvas, which forms the body of the bag (lined in waterproof 100% recycled polyester), a waterproof 100% recycled polyester cover which unravels from beneath the sack providing wet weather protection, and 70% vegetable tanned leather.

With a front-opening zip allowing remarkably good access to the inside, it contains four pockets (including one for an iPad or laptop). The air-mesh padding on the back panel section of the bag is ample and comfortable to wear, as are the shoulder straps. The lid is held down with a series of press studs that offer a good alternative to buckles, and give the daypack an Alpine look.

Overall a great piece of kit, not solely for use in the mountains as it isn't dedicated mountaineering equipment, but if you're looking for something that little bit different, that can be used during the working week and for free-time at weekend then look no further.

The National Trust have now re-opened Millican's cave after an extensive and expensive survey. Their sterling efforts required every single piece of stone to be removed from the floor of the cave, and to be placed in a pile away from the area of the rockfall. Anyone who knows the cave will recognise that this must have been a huge undertaking. The cave was then monitored for further falls, but following another geological inspection the green light was given and the cavern re-opened.

Last year’s republication of Scratch & Co: The Great Cat Expedition brought with it the opportunity to enter the Lakeland Book of the Year Awards once more. With four review copies already submitted and two tickets purchased for the charity luncheon, I had arranged with Molly Lefebure to attend this year’s awards which were held at the Grade II listed Langdale Chase Hotel on Tuesday 26 June 2007. 

Collecting Molly from her home in the Newlands Valley, we made the scenic drive down to Ambleside and onward to the hotel. On arrival, Molly’s appearance in the wood panelled entrance hall of the Langdale Chase Hotel roused considerable interest and her status among the literary community became obvious when she was instantly greeted by members of the Wordsworth Trust. The reaction of excited onlookers was priceless. This should have been of no surprise because, of course, Molly is a well-known author and former winner of the 1988 Lakeland Book of the Year Awards with The Bondage of Love: A Life of Mrs Samuel Taylor Coleridge. By the look on her face I could tell she was in her element and clearly happy to chat to friends and acquaintances. The best thing? I made it happen. It was a privilege to escort Molly, and I was proud to be there in the capacity as her publisher. 

I know the Langdale Chase Hotel well, having previously worked there for several months as a night porter. It was an easy job where I had the (unofficial) opportunity to spend time in the early hours reading, writing and eating ham sandwiches between patrolling the corridors and setting up the dining room for breakfast. The hours didn’t suit and as with most positions in hospitality poorly paid, so I didn’t last long.

Anyway, back in the room I chatted with Jan Levi whom I had assisted with information regarding Millican Dalton for her book entry And Nobody Woke up Dead; the biography of Mabel M. Barker, the greatest female rock climber of her time. As is the norm, the event was very well attended and the hall abuzz with talk of literature and publishing. It was evident everyone had made an effort judging by the number of suits and cocktail dresses.

With fizz and canapés consumed our master of ceremonies signalled the start of the charity luncheon and ushered us into the dining room, which affords tremendous views over Windermere, Claife Heights, Wray Castle, the Langdale Pikes and the fells beyond; though to be honest the scenery was something of a distraction. I had seen the shortlist several weeks ago and was aware that Scratch & Co: The Great Cat Expedition didn’t feature, but the event was a good networking opportunity. It’s in the social calendar for Lakeland writers and publishers.

Hunter Davies and his judging panel delivered their verdicts with Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear crowned the overall winner.

Leaving Low Wood Bay behind we drove back to Newlands in high spirits. Molly is an amazing woman; she is dignified and cultured. I have learned a great deal from my time spent with her. Whilst we won no prizes, we have plenty to celebrate as we thoroughly enjoyed our day out together.

M. D. Entwistle delivered his ongoing Millican Dalton lecture to the Friends of Keswick Museum at Crosthwaite Parish Room, Keswick, Cumbria, on 7 February 2007 at 7.30pm. For the locals in attendance, including Alan Hankinson, it was their first time watching Millican Dalton on the big screen, and the archive footage from January 1941 certainly raised eyebrows.

Although initially starting out as a complete novice in the publishing industry, I would like to think that, despite the steep learning curve, my marketing skills have developed rapidly. Admittedly, they are nowhere near the levels achieved at Saatchi & Saatchi, but, considering the media’s positive reception of my books and their willingness to feature them in their productions, I am more than happy with the results to date. 

Continuing with my book promotions, I recently sent BBC Radio Cumbria a press release informing them of the pending republication of Scratch & Co: The Great Cat Expedition and they responded by inviting Molly and myself for an interview. This, in part, was facilitated by the fact that Molly is well respected in literature circles and a well-known figure in Cumbria. 

Yesterday, Friday 1 September 2006, I collected Molly as usual from her home (you may have gathered from previous posts that she doesn’t drive) and we made the journey from Newlands to the BBC Radio Cumbria studios on Annetwell Street, Carlisle. Once there, we were warmly welcomed, and I Joined Molly in the studio for our joint interview with Gordon Swindlehurst. We followed hot on the heels of Sir Chris Bonnington, who had attended an interview on the Breakfast Show; it was 40 years since the first British ascent of the Eiger North Face Direct. Chris, the greatest living British mountaineer, had played a supporting role to Ian Clough on that formidable climb…but as our host, Gordon, said, “That pails into insignificance with Scratch & Co. The Great Cat Expedition.” What a great introduction! 

Sat beneath the ‘On-Air’ light, Molly gave her synopsis of Scratch & Co., and then went on to discuss her friendship with Alfred Wainwright and why he was selected to illustrate the book. By simply passing him a manuscript without any demands, she made it clear that, as they shared a good working partnership and understood each others work, she trusted his judgement. There was an insight into Molly’s methodology, too, and she explained how the book’s characters were defined before the storyline was outlined. Elaborating on this, she explained how one of the book's characters was based on Ernest Hemingway and another on an undisclosed journalist and ex-colleague at the News of the World. Scratch & Co. was a success from the start, and Molly rejoiced in the fact that Alpine Club members “bought copies like hot cakes.” Shocked that Scratch & Co. had become a cult book, she said that she was thrilled at having it republished. Molly is a seasoned professional and spoke beautifully in her cultured voice. She talks with authority, which considering her life experience is understandable.

I then took to the microphone talking about why I chose to republish the book, my dealings with the Wainwright estate, and my reasons for making minor changes to the text. I concluded the interview with particulars regarding the England's highest book launch. 

To capitalise further on the successes of Millican Dalton: A Search for Romance of Freedom and keen to be involved in all aspects of publishing, last year I entered my title into the Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Literature and the Banff Mountain Book Competition Award. We hear so much about these awards that I thought it would be a failure on my part if I did not compete. Of course, the competition attracts authors and their high calibre literature from around the globe, and achieving an award would be a difficult proposition. Nonetheless, for the book to be in the list of entries would, as a minimum, achieve part of the legacy I was hoping to achieve.

Books submitted, entries closed, shortlist created, and awards ceremonies undertaken. No, I didn’t win any awards, but we can’t let a little disappointment set us back, can we? Onwards and upwards, in January I once more submitted copies of my book for another competition—the long running Lakeland Book of the Year Awards—in order to pitch my work against other Cumbrian themed literature. Founded by writer Hunter Davies in 1984 and administered by Cumbria Tourism, the Lakeland Book of the Year Awards is a scheme which celebrates the Lake District’s literary heritage. Prizes are awarded annually for books “set in or featuring Cumbria in some way.”

Data doesn’t lie and considering my book had been the bestseller at Bookends in Keswick for months on end, with thousands of copies sold throughout Cumbria, I had real hopes of winning, or at least securing a prize in the relevant category. Though let’s be real; yes, it would be a pleasurable experience to participate, but on this occasion, I had no intention of just going along for the ride.

This year’s Lakeland Book of the Year Awards was held at the Victorian Gothic, Lodore Falls Hotel, Borrowdale on Tuesday 21 June 2005 and I had two tickets; one for my dad who is always keen to be involved, and one, as you will have guessed, for myself.

We purposely camped out à la Millican Dalton at Hollows Farm Campsite the night before the event and the next morning made our way to High Lodore. Winging it somewhat, we changed out of our camping gear and into suitable attire on the hotel’s car park, managing to dodge the glances of other guests and maintain our modesty. Slightly dishevelled, we were greeted at reception with a glass of fizz and made our way into the lounge. At first glance I didn’t recognise anyone, but after a couple of double takes spotted several familiar household names.

I must admit that I’m not the most sociable person and feeling slightly out of place (and more at home in the mountains), we happily stood away from the crowd. We had company though when linescape artist and guidebook author, Mark Richards, came over and introduced himself. We talked for a while about our book entries and Mark openly told us that his father had died the day before; you would have never guessed. I would have had to cancel, so well-done Mark for being strong and upbeat. That, my friends, is professionalism!

Seeing Hunter Davies at the opposite side of the lounge, I went over for a brief chat about Alfred Wainwright and asked him to sign a copy Wainwright: The Biography for my dad (which I had in a Co-op carrier bag; very classy). Hunter, if you have never met him, is a very pleasant, genteel man. He opened the book at the title page and said “Very good. It’s a first edition.” Aware that others were waiting to chat, I headed to the bar for a refill.

Following the drinks, we took a seat at our table ready for the charity luncheon. “What are you here for?” was the first question I was asked. “I’m behind the Millican Dalton biography,” I proudly responded. That was enough of an introduction to prompt Bill Birkett, who was sat opposite, to tell me that he had a copy of my book on his bedside table. Yes, I was glowing inside! Next to Bill was David Rigg of Titus Wilson, the very chap who prints my books.

We dined on blue swimmer crab and avocado timbale for starters; roast sirloin of Lakeland beef with fondant potato, stuffed vine tomato and a morel and brandy cream sauce for mains; and finished with a Lodore couverture dessert platter. It was as tasty as it sounds.

Fed and watered, the awards ceremony commenced. I was rather tense at this stage and when Fiona Bruce passed comment on my book as one the judges enjoyed reading, I was ready to take to the stage to collect my prize. Easy excitable you may ask? Yes…and I was soon left deflated when the category winners were announced. Taking the overall prize was The Lake Artists Society: 1904-2004 – A Centenary Celebration by Jane Renouf. I offered my congratulations to all winning authors and publishers.

We left and made our journey home. Although somewhat disappointed we enjoyed the wonderful experience.

The Lakeland Book of the Year Awards is a well organised event, and as you can imagine each segment managed to perfection; it runs like clockwork. It is evident that the awards benefit from 20 years prior experience.

Kendal Mountain Film Festival has expanded in recent years, and this year was no exception seeing the introduction of the Kendal Mountain Book Festival. The theme of the 2005 combined Kendal Mountain Film and Book Festival (www.kendalmountainfestival.com) was "Wild is a place of the heart." Unsurprisingly, the nine-day festival featured talks and presentations by renowned figures from the world of mountaineering. Julie Tait, director of the Kendal Book Festival, said: "We've brought together people who have devoted a good deal of thought to wild places. Panelists will present their perspectives on and personal experiences of wild places, and discuss those writers and cultural figures who have captured, preserved and promoted its special qualities."

I was lucky to feature amongst the events. The session was promoted as ‘M. D. Entwistle in conversation with Terry Gifford' and we talked about my book Millican Dalton: A Search for Romance and Freedom which, as you may know, tells the fascinating tale of the self-styled Professor of Adventure who lived in a cave in Borrowdale. It was good to meet up with Terry again after seeing him last at the International Festival of Mountaineering Literature. As a man moving in the right circles, he had arranged for me to attend Kendal. If you need a step up, do everything you can make good contacts! 

My lecture was held on 17 November 2005 in the Local Studies Department at Kendal Library. Although not quite as impressive as taking to the stage at the Brewery Arts Centre, I still had my own platform. The two hour questions and answers session took the form of an informal conversation. Accompanied by rare archive photographs, the audience were encouraged to appreciate the important contribution Dalton made to climbing and to the philosophy of adventure. With tickets pitched at an affordable price of £3 each, there were plenty in attendance. Considering that other events were taking place in town, which can lure people elsewhere, the number of bottoms on seats showed that there is plenty of interest in Millican Dalton.

Book sales and signings followed the presentation. For someone to voluntarily purchase your book and ask you to sign it is such a reward, one which money cannot buy, and for me it’s better than the financial gain. Having my work promoted alongside some of the biggest names in mountaineering is a recognition of the highest order. As with earlier experiences, the contrast between working in a Windermere service station one day, then lecturing and signing books the next was huge! With hand on heart, I can honestly say that with the experience gained from previous lectures in my armoury, I was relaxed and found the whole experience a joy. I have no issue in disclosing that the fee for a speaker at my level was £100. I have invested this in Mountainmere and put the money towards a larger print run.

Overall, it has been a very successful year for myself and my book, and have gained a valuable skill set which will help Mountainmere move forward. That warrants a big thank you to Terry Gifford and the team at Kendal Mountain Festival for their fantastic support.

The timing of the Kendal Mountain Festival was perfect. I have just quit my job and leave England for a three month trip to the east coast of Australia at the end of this month.

A Windermere author has been invited to an international festival to put the record straight about the eccentric Lake District character Millican Dalton.

Writer M. D. Entwistle will give one of the keynote lectures at the International Festival of Mountaineering Literature at Leeds University next month. He will focus on the life of the legendary mountaineering guide, who worked in the Lake District in the early part of the 20th century.

Dalton, known as the Professor of Adventure and Caveman of Borrowdale, remains part of mountaineering folklore and his name still raises eyebrows long after his death.

Mr Entwistle, author of Millican Dalton: A Search for Romance and Freedom, said: "Dalton's reputation for eccentricity tended to overshadow his climbing record. I make the claim for his climbing and his philosophy to be taken more seriously."

Friends often tell me I have a face for radio, and last Thursday, 20 May 2004, I had the opportunity to put that to the test when I was interviewed by Val Armstrong for BBC Radio Cumbria at their studios in Carlisle.  

As part of my ongoing marketing campaign, I had contacted the station looking to plug Millican Dalton: A Search for Romance & Freedom. They accepted. This came as no real surprise because the book subject is in-keeping with their need for Cumbrian related news and features. 

Broadcast live across the county, there was a degree of pressure to correctly answer first time. Val asked me questions about Millican’s character, his love of the simple life and his legacy, and my writing and publishing. Obviously, I was eager to make a good impression, so all questions were answered in my best telephone voice. Val was great to work with; she is a committed member of the Radio Cumbria team having worked at the studios since 1982 and her expertise was evident. 

Having the benefit of recent practice from the Lakeland Radio interview and knowing my subject inside out, I like to think the broadcast went well, but I can see the benefits of media training, of which I have had none. Overall, though, I was happy enough because at this stage I am seeking progress, not perfection, and two interviews in the space of two months is a move in the right direction. The important aspect here is that I am receiving some quality publicity. I bolster this sentiment with P. T. Barnum’s quote, “There is no such thing as bad publicity,” and, in the same vein, Oscar Wilde’s line “There’s only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” Book marketing is a specialist field from an industry which demands high fees, so I feel that I must be doing something right.  

You can catch up with the interview on my Media page.

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Several months ago, I started in earnest to research the life of Millican Dalton. This follows an initial investigation over the past couple of years and I have now visited various Cumbria Archive Centres and the relatives of Mabel M. Barker (friend of Millican) who live in Caldbeck. Having also scoured the libraries of Cumbria and The Fell and Rock Climbing Club of the English Lake District (FRCC) Collection housed at the Armitt Museum & Library in Ambleside, I have collated a small but useful collection of material for analysis. I have extrapolated some of this information in a forensic fashion and begun following up each lead. Some leads have provided results and others have led nowhere. In addition to requests for information in local newspapers, I have also placed posters in various Lake District towns and in the village of Marlow Bottom, Buckinghamshire—which have surprisingly produced some positive findings. With my collection of firsthand accounts, anecdotes and photographs growing, and my interest deepening, my aim is to discover more information. Maybe you can help? If you know the whereabouts of any Millican Dalton related material or can point me in the direction of anyone who knew him personally, please contact me.

I have just learned with interest about a little-known Lakeland legend named Millican Dalton, otherwise known as the Professor of Adventure. My dad, also intrigued, introduced me to Millican’s story after reading Alfred Wainwright’s guidebook The North-Western Fells. According to Wainwright, this eccentric character lived each summer in a large cave on the side of Castle Crag in Borrowdale between the two world wars. Yes, a cave. You read that correctly! I have been visiting the Lake District for years; can someone please explain to me why I have never heard his name before? I have an urge to find out more! If anyone has any information on Millican please contact me.