001 - From Bowes to Appleby

In the summer of 1773, lawyer and antiquarian William Hutchinson embarked on an unforgettable journey through the stunning English Lake District. Leaving his home in County Durham, he rode alongside his brother, George Allan, traversing the picturesque landscapes from Bowes to Penrith and Keswick, through Grasmere and Ambleside, before returning home via Kirkby Stephen. His reflections on this expedition resulted in what is believed to be the first guidebook to the Lakes, capturing a region on the brink of becoming a literary haven for luminaries like Wordsworth, Southey, and Harriett Martineau. Join me as I retrace Hutchinsons steps during the chilly, damp early spring of 2018, immersing ourselves in the beauty and history of this remarkable area. - Summary by Phil Benson