Countrystride #27: BILL BIRKETT - Lakeland legend in Langdale

…in which we make a Little Langdale circuit with climber, author, photographer and campaigner Bill Birkett. From iconic Slater’s Bridge we explore the cavernous Cathedral Quarry, where Bill made his first climb, then head through tunnels into the heart of the mountain to reach the airy drovers’ track above High Tilberthwaite. As we walk we discuss a family with rock in its blood, plotting the 541 ‘Birketts’, haymaking time in bygone days, Bill’s plans for a Viking send-off and the increasingly thorny issue of off-road 4x4s.

• For more about Bill and to buy his books see https://billbirkett.com

• For more about the 4x4 campaign and the Lake District Green Lanes Alliance see www.savethelakedistrict.com

Slater's Bridge, Little Langdale.

Langdale legend Bill Birkett with Jet the vocal collie.

Approaching the bridge.

Slater's Bridge: Roman origins?

The impressive Cathedral Cavern.

Mark and Bill exiting the mountain.

The lane to Tilberthwaite - where Bill once took school nature rambles.

A peep at the Langdale Pikes.

The path above Little Langdale that Bill once walked with his grandfather.

Our route for the day, including the path through the mountain (take a torch!) and Bill's grandad's path.