A great idea, what an original way to present the fells. Bill Birkett, Climber, photographer and author
For those new to the map, after an initial curiosity, it soon becomes apparent as to the subject matter portrayed. Each 'Wainwright' fell is clearly labelled in black and the colour of the ‘tube’ lines corresponds to the colours used in the seven 'Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells'. The map also includes the area's three main long distance footpaths. For any Lakeland or Wainwright aficionado, the map makes an attractive addition to any wall in the home with all the major lakes, and some towns of the Lake District indicated. Of course, every one of AW’s 214 fells has been included and it would be an ideal gift for any Wainwright 214 completer. This map has been designed with clarity and intrigue in mind. As well as the 214 fells marked in black, there are many other Lakeland place-names labelled which adds further interest and points of discussion. There are three long-distance footpaths indicated and for the rail enthusiast, part of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway has been depicted which recognises the fact that AW wrote his fantastic little guide titled "Walks From Ratty".
It's excellent, I'm really taken with it! Dan Bailey, ukhillwalking.com
Map features:
- All 214 of AW’s Lakeland fells are illustrated. It would be an ideal gift for any fellwalker, Wainwright 214 completer or peakbagger.
- 17 of Lakeland’s valley lakes are represented along with those with boat and ferry services.
- 3 of Lakeland’s long distance footpaths, the Coast to Coast, Dales Way and Cumbria Way are represented.
- Many other Lakeland locations are illustrated to lend clarity and interest.
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Peter did not want to escape from the linear character of a transport map, so he deviated from the topological rules a little. However, through his own fellwalking experience, geographical expertise and judgement he has happily balanced the ordering of the fells so that their relative position is not compromised too greatly. He hopes to have captured the spirit of Harry Beck's first London Tube map which was being planned and produced at the same time as AW was making his first tentative steps onto the fells starting in 1930 with his first ascent of Orrest Head. In fact, for the eagle eyed observer there is even a small tribute to Mr Beck on this new iconic map - a Londoner with an Old Norse and Lakeland surname!!
What is a topological map? In cartography or map making, a topological map refers to one that has been simplified so that only vital information remains and unnecessary detail has been removed. Of course the most famous example has to be the London Underground version devised by Harry C. Beck in 1931. To get a taste of 'Tubular Fells' and to see some of Peter's own inspiration watch the 2 minutes of images and video from the Tubular Fells' website and which is accessible below, before going on to read about the story of 'Tubular Fells' on the rest of the website, accessible via the link at the top of this page. If you want to cut straight to the chase you can access the purchase page using the link at the bottom of this page.
I do think the map is a work of genius. Mark Green, Deputy Features Editor, News & Star, The Cumberland News
If you're still not convinced, then do investigate more of the website with background information on its production and even a whole section of goodies entitled 'Free from the Fells'. This section includes downloadable walks, desktop wallpaper, a list of stockists, videos shown on the site and lots more. If you do nothing more, then please use some of the free resources - we promise you'll enjoy them.
CLICK THIS LINK IF YOU JUST WANT TO GO AND BUY THE MAP!
TUBULAR FELLS WILL RAISE MONEY FOR 'FIX THE FELLS'
At the Outdoors Show at ExCeL, Peter was fortunate enough to meet up with Neil Winder and some of the Fix the Fells team who had stoically travelled south to present their cause to a whole new audience in the south-east of England. Although far from their Lakeland homes, Peter brought along Tubular Fells in order to discuss the possibility of using the map to raise money for this excellent project.
With hindsight, meeting up with the 'Fix the Fells' team proved massively fortuitous. As a resident of East Ham, London, Peter Burgess ventured to the show on three occasions, but was disappointed to see Cumbria represented on only three stalls including KE Travel of Keswick, Cicerone of Milnthorpe and of course the 'Fix the Fells' team.
After talking about the problems of soil erosion on the fells, Peter then presented his map to Neil Winder who was immediately enthralled by what he saw. Neil saw potential in the map and a short discussion ensued to see how sales of the map could help the project and provide some much needed support to the valuable work that 'Fix the Fells' carry out on the Lakeland fells.
