Author Archives: Paul Shorrock

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About Paul Shorrock

I've been mucking about in the mountains for longer than I care to mention. I started out by walking my local hills, then went on to rock climbing, mountaineering and skiing. Still doing it, and still getting a buzz. I'm now sharing the fun, through my guided walking business (Hillcraft Guided Walking) and by writing routes for other publishers, mainly Walking World and Discovery Walking Guides. Just to make sure I keep really busy, I am also currently a member of my local mountain rescue team.

#61 – ‘The Spine’ – Britain’s most brutal race! (Part 1)

Posted on 23/01/2012 by Paul Shorrock

The Pennine Way is well known amongst outdoor enthusiasts as being the first long-distance trail in the UK.  The idea of a national trail came from walker and journalist Tom Stephenson, who having been inspired by the Appalachian Trail had … Continue reading →

Posted in 3. Yorkshire Dales, 4. Northern England, Bothy days | Tagged , | 15 Comments

#60 – A special delivery by the coal man!

Posted on 16/01/2012 by Paul Shorrock

This week’s blog is a bit on the short side.  I’m out for the next few days acting as safety cover on what must be the most gruelling race in the UK – It’s called ‘The Spine’ and the competitors … Continue reading →

Posted in 3. Yorkshire Dales, 4. Northern England | Tagged , | 8 Comments

#59 – “Water, water, everywhere……….”

Posted on 08/01/2012 by Paul Shorrock

The plan had been to go to the Peak District for our next hill day.  However, the ‘breezy’ day with ‘sunny intervals’ turned out to be ‘blowing a hoolie’ and ‘light rain’.  Our last outing to Malham on Boxing Day … Continue reading →

Posted in 3. Yorkshire Dales | Tagged , | 6 Comments

#58 – Re-visiting the Ghosts

Posted on 26/12/2011 by Paul Shorrock

 December 2010 was memorable for the snow and extreme cold conditions that gripped the UK, causing chaos far and wide.  December 2011 will be remembered for different reasons, at least by those who walk the hills.  A succession of Atlantic … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

#57 – “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow”!

Posted on 19/12/2011 by Paul Shorrock

As a kid I was never very keen about being out in snow.  I had poor circulation in my hands and feet, which took a lot of the fun out of playing in the cold – I still feel the … Continue reading →

Posted in 1. Scotland, 2. Lake District, 3. Yorkshire Dales, 5. North Wales, 7. Everywhere Else! | Tagged , , , , | 19 Comments

#56 – A dog’s life (re-visited)

Posted on 12/12/2011 by Paul Shorrock

Soon after I started this weekly blog (just over a year ago) Chris and I took the momentous step of adding a dog to the household.  No big deal there, you might say, but the previous twelve months had been … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

#55 – Sgorr na Ciche (The Pap of Glencoe)

Posted on 01/12/2011 by Paul Shorrock

A look this week at one of the most recognisable and attractive looking peaks in the Glencoe area.  It’s far from the highest, yet it’s a hill that is well worth the four hours or so that it takes to … Continue reading →

Posted in 1. Scotland | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

#54 – Hardcastle Crags, Shackleton Knoll and Lumb Hole Waterfall

Posted on 28/11/2011 by Paul Shorrock

There’s something about waterfalls.  The combination of sound, movement, power and light is elemental and irresistible, and it’s little wonder that waterfalls have inspired artists, photographers, poets and writers.  There is even a school of thought that waterfalls have a … Continue reading →

Posted in 4. Northern England | Tagged | 24 Comments

#53 – Carlin Gill in the Howgills.

Posted on 21/11/2011 by Paul Shorrock

Between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales lie the Howgills.  These hills are a mixture of contradictions.  They are quiet, lonely hills, yet several thousand motorists drive by them each day.  They are small hills, with the highest top … Continue reading →

Posted in 4. Northern England | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

#52 – The Aonach Eagach Ridge, Glencoe

Posted on 14/11/2011 by Paul Shorrock

Walking from valley to valley has featured largely in both my walking and my blog posts for the last couple of weeks, but to keep a balanced view (and to keep the mountain men/women happy) here’s a look at the … Continue reading →

Posted in 1. Scotland | Tagged , , , , , | 23 Comments