This is the first of Striding Edge's splendid "Great Walks" series. Broadcaster Eric Robson and author and mountain photographer Bob Allen take us on three Lakeland walks: Haystacks and the High Stile Ridge, High Street from Kentmere, and Helvellyn by the Edges. (Note: the walk sequence notation on the box and on the face of the DVD-which lists Helvellyn first-is incorrect.) The scenery, as always in this region, is spectacular, and the experience is enhanced by the good natured banter between these two experienced and knowledgable fellwalkers (accompanied on the third walk by Allen's little dog Henry, who sometimes has to be lifted bodily down the difficult steps). Haystacks was Alfred Wainwright's favorite Lakeland mountain-his ashes are scattered there-and shortly after passing that hallowed spot, Allen and Robson struggle valiantly to get to the top of High Stile Ridge. The third walk takes us to Striding Edge itself, one of the most frequented spots in Lakeland. On her own DVD walk to Striding Edge years later, Julia Bradbury found the perilous ridge fogged in; but for Robson and Allen here, the day is bright and clear and the views spectacular. During one of their rests, as the two snack on battered Eccles cakes, Robson asks Allen what it is about the fells that he finds so appealing, and Allen's response is illuminating. Note: this is an older DVD, so it's not in widescreen, but the scenery and the good company (including Allen's big-as-all-outdoors smile) more than make up for any technical limitations.

Larry B | Ventura, California | October 2018