Countrystride #114: FELL FOODIE - A feast on Silver How

...in which we climb one of Grasmere's low-level favourites to dine in a dell with outdoors cook, author and mental health speaker Harrison Ward – a.k.a. Fell Foodie. Setting out along the old drove road from Allan Bank, Harrison speaks frankly about his former life: of his long history of clinical depression; his obesity; and his 12-year struggle with alcohol. Rising through juniper glades, he talks about the fell walk that was to change his life, and the long-time love of cooking that gave birth to a new passion and persona. As we settle beside a beck for a fine freshly-cooked stew, we consider the healing properties of the outdoors and the value of slow moments on the hill. Arriving atop a bitterly cold Silver How, a pun-laden chat ensues about cooking for Mary Berry, New Year fireworks over Grasmere and baking on Bakestall.

• Find out more about Fell Foodie at https://www.fellfoodie.co.uk

• His debut book, Cook Out, is available at all good bookstores (local is best!)

Grasmere and Rydal Water from the summit of Silver How.

Our guest for the day - in his outdoors kitchen - Harrison Ward, a.k.a. Fell Foodie.

Cooking up a treat.

Mark and Harrison on the old drovers' track rising from Allan Bank.

The drove way - a beautiful route up the How.

On the summit of Silver How.

Selfie.

With Helen and Cook Out at Sam Reads.