Visitor Gallery - Peter Burgess

On Adam seat - An interesting 'bow' created by the old fence wire.

On Adam seat - An interesting 'bow' created by the old fence wire .

I have been visiting the Lake District since I was 8 weeks old; a visit marked by my ascent of Hard Knott Pass in the back seat of parent's Morris Traveller! Since then I haven't looked back. Growing up in the beauty of the Ribble Valley (J.R.R.Tolkien's Shire) was lucky enough, but living just an hour from the Lake District ensured that my time was split between the hills of home and the more rugged terrain of the high fells.

Fortunately, everyone who surrounded me was a fell and hillwalking fanatic. My own parents, family and friends were all passionate about the hills and at school even my teachers guided me on walks in our own walking club, The Tramps! Wednesday afternoons were also a favourite when we would go fellrunning over the hills near school in all weather fair and foul. I remember on many occassion getting absolutely caked in mud, buried in snow and drowned like rats on the summits of Pendle Hill or Wadddington Fell - I guess these days we couldn't be abandoned by teachers like that as a result of all these health and safety guidelines. Nontheless, they were great days.

Buttermere Church

Buttermere Church

Later I was to become a great friend of the brother of the Bishop of Cumbria, Fr. Jordan Pearson, who was for a time, Catholic priest for the valleys of Great Langdale, Windermere and Glenridding and Patterdale. Although not a Catholic ourselves, the family shared with Jordan the love of Lakeland. Especially in his later years I would patiently walk with him as he tried to reinact his more energetic ascents of previous years. Perhaps more than anyone, even the great AW himself, Fr. Jordan transmitted to me his passion for the high places. He, has well as through my own experiences, instilled my love of The Lake District and introduced me to some of the more remote and exciting parts of the area well away from the beaten track.

Riley's Window

Riley's Window

In my adult life, I continued my landscape love affair. By running, walking and scrambling amongst the mountains I have grown to appreciate this landscape in a very intimate way. Although I enjoy a walk with friends or family, there is nothing I enjoy more than being alone in high places. In these complicated days, being able to concentrate on nothing else other than the ascent in hand is fortune enough. Coupled with spectacular views, a glorious landscape and some amazing routes Lakeland is, in my opinions like no other. Having ventured a little around the world Lakeland is very special. Even in Scotland, the vistas can be oevrwhelming, but in the Lake District there is an intimacy that you do not feel elsewhere. Sitting atop somewhere like Harrison Stickle on a fine day you can see the whole district in one panorama. Where else in this world can you find such a microcosm of landscape from raging waterfalls, serene lakes and magnificent fells? Lakeland is the epitome of what I seek. To me it is Eden on Earth.

Chilldren from Rokeby School

Children from Rokeby School

I also bring many students to the Lakes from London's inner city east end where I teach. Like those who mentored me, I want to pass on at least some of my passion for this very special place. It is great when I receive letters from past students who remember our camps and walks with fondness. Without the young there is not future and I believe it is so important to nurture and encourage our youngsters and, whatever their background (not many Rwandans have traversed Crinkle Crags like with me!), we should let them enjoy the same experiences as we were allowed to.

Attic Cave, Dove Nest Crag

Attic Cave, Dove Nest Crag

With my passion for the area and my deep frustration during the Foot and Mouth epidemic I founded the Online Fellwalking Club (OFC) using the Yahoo! groups system. Although at the time I was interested in nothing more than at least sharing my frustration of being unable to walk on the hills, this venture really has developed. Although the OFC has only 180 registered members (there is no fee) the membership has really blossomed. From our earliest interactions the members have met and using the Internet as a hub many new and lasting friendships are being forged. Although I never envisaged it I am really glad to see the Internet used in this way. The OFC gives me a great deal of pleasure and I want to see it continue to grow with the enthusiasm of the like-minded individuals who make it such a great sounding board.

OFC Meet

OFC Meet - February 2004 OFC Meet. An ascent of Skiddaw

The Online Fellwalking Club

Thanks go to Peter for allowing us to feature his photographs in the gallery. If you would like to submit some of your photographs and can write a few lines about yourself, then let's hear from you.

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