CLIMBING MANUAL by Nigel Shepherd, £21.99 ISBN 978-0-857333100

AS the self-styled Adventure Capital of the UK, the Lake District is attracting a new generation of rock climbers - and this guide provides a wealth of information to help those new to the sport get started.

The manual features comprehensive coverage of all aspects of climbing from the essential equipment and clothing needed to advice on fitness and basic skills.

It also has advice about advanced techniques and coping with tricky situations.

The author qualified as an international mountain guide in 1979. He is a respected outdoor adventure photographer and has written several books all based on techniques and roped safety and rescue for beginners and experts alike.

He was a regular contributor to On the Edge magazine (now CLIMB).