The Dales Way with Mark Richards Print
Written by Peter Burgess   
Thursday, 27 October 2011

DVD information

  • Running Time: 63mins
  • PAL, Colour, Stereo
  • 16:9 widescreen
  • Directed: Steve Lord
  • Written by: Terry Marsh
  • Weblink:
    www.yorkshire-dvd.co.uk

Other Links:

The Dales Way DVD cover
The DVD
When my parents moved to the Lake District, one of the first things I learnt was that their house was situated on the Dales Way.  Over 18 years they've had many a walker asking for route directions and sitting on the bench near their home lapping up the scenary on their last few miles on their last day of walking into Bowness-on-Windermere.  In the back of my mind, my intention has always been to walk the route and with this in mind I recently purchased a new DVD which I knew had been in production.  The DVD in question is The Dales Way with Mark Richards a great new title outlining this majestic route from it's start in Ilkley all the way along its 80 miles to its terminus at Bowness on the shores of Windermere.

 

The 80 mile route of The Dales Way
The route map
The DVD has a run time of 63 minutes, but it's the fantastic weather during its production that stands out for me which highlights the magnificent north country to its best.  I am little familiar of the eastern sections of the route, but with the words of Terry Marsh in support, Mark Richards inimitable style adds gravitas and enthusiasm to the production.  What is identified as one of the best middle distance walks in Britain, the excellent production skills of Steve Lord highlight the beauty of a stunning part of the country, and what is for vast stretches, still one of the last backwaters of England.

Biography

Mark Richards
Mark Richards

With more than 30 years' experience as a walker, illustrator and writer, Mark's books include guides to the Cotswold Way, Cornwall's North Coast Path, the Offa's Dyke Path, the Peak District and Hadrian's Wall.  He has nearly finished his eight part Lakeland Fellranger series.  He lives on the fringes of Lakeland with his dear wife and presents a monthly fell-walking slot on Radio Cumbria and is involved in many regional organisations and campaigns.

 

Starting in Ilkley, the DVD highlights the route, first up Wharfedale via the villages of Burnsall, Grassington, Kettlewell and Oughtershaw before crossing England's watershed into the valley of the Dee at Dent before passing through Sedbergh, Burneside, Staveley and the end of the walk on Windermere.  I knew the walk was identified as a fine one, but the excellent weather during production and the quintessential settlements passed through on the way, really must make it a memorable walk.  I have to say that the DVD really has whetted my appetite to complete The Dales Way and I am already considering when to do it.  What I can't guarantee is a repitition of conditions seen on the film, but I'll definitely find refreshments at one house along the way!

 

Why do people return year on year to re-walk this route? Discover the answer in this spell-binding film, the perfect introduction to the gentle pursuit of country walking.  Original script by fellow outdoor writer Terry Marsh, author of the Cicerone Press guide.  If you've walked The Dales Way this video will be a great way of recreating and reminiscing over the expedition as well as stimulatiung those who have yet to do it.  If you enjoy walking and want a route slightly off the beaten track then 'The Dales Way' will certainly fulfill your expectations in this delightful part of the country.  As a result of this I can heartily recommend this DVD.  To get some idea of what to expect from the 63 minutes then take a look at the video trailer included below.

 

For the walker who loves solitude, they will find it here. Mark Richards on the Dales Way.

 

 

BAA rating:full rating point full rating point full rating point full rating point no rating point  [4 / 5]

 

I have just taken delivery of  "The Dales Way" and I wish to take this opportunity of congratulations on such a wonderful production. The picture and sound quality is absolutely superb, and the accompanying music is most satisfying. I am more or less housebound now. Having walked many thousands of miles in the Lake District and Yorkshire over many years I can now sit back irrespective of weather conditions and enjoy the  DVD. W Wilson, Wirral. 

 AVAILABILITY:

 


 



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