The Burnscale Ramblers

Biology teacher Miss Lily and history teacher Mr Granger are determined to drag six of their sixth-formers out into the fells and lakes of the iconic English Lake District. The students are vivacious Mel whose passion is literature; farmer’s son Alfred who loves biology; somewhat fragile Natalie who detests injustice; boastful Brad who lacks a father figure; nerdish Jack who plays the jester; and tech-savvy Aisha, a refugee from Somalia. Gradually, Lily and Granger entice the students away from their addictive screens and into the outdoors, starting off with a gentle stroll around Derwent Water, and then moving onwards and upwards to longer walks and then climbs, all the way up to Scafel Pike.

The book is an intimate, boots-on-the-ground, adventure story that deals with the nitty-gritty details of fell-walking and the feeling of what it is like to walk in the Lakes. Characters, actions, and places are closely connected with each other. The book is also a travel guide to the Lakes; a story of developing friendships; and an encouragement to everyone to leave their sheltered lives, take risks, and explore. It is a Swallows and Amazons story for our time and readers of all ages