AN OUTDOOR writer has launched three new long-distance walking trails in Cumbria and Northumberland. 

Mark Richards marked the launch of the trails at Brougham Hall in Penrith.

The trail guidebooks are full of facts and information about the structures, communities and landscapes on the routes and are illustrated throughout with linescape drawings.

The first route, Hadrian’s High Way, links 10 Roman forts in a 102 mile journey from the port of Ravenglass in Cumbria to Vindolanda in Northumberland and is designated by the author as the world’s first Peace Trail.

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With a foreword by UNESCO Director Mechtild Rössler, it explores the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire and the constantly changing and spellbindingly beautiful landscape through which the garrisons marched for 300 years.

Conveniently split across two guidebook volumes, and geographically at Penrith, Hadrian’s High Way can be undertaken in one continuous hike, or split into two or more shorter excursions.

The second trail, the 42-mile Castles of Eden, explores Cumbria’s Eden Valley. The walker travels from Kirkby Stephen to Penrith through a gently undulating landscape brimming with castles, ancient stones, earthworks and ruins.

Great Lakes Connection, a 50-mile trail linking Windermere with Ullswater passes through the heart of Lakeland along the valleys of its largest lakes and encompasses some of the finest landscape scenery and villages of the Lake District.

At the launch event Mark said: “I hope that new and more experienced walkers will gain new some new perspectives on our nation’s history by following these trails through some of England’s most stunning scenery.

"Researching, writing and illustrating the trail guidebooks has been a passion project for me for several years and I’m delighted to finally be able to share them with my fellow heritage and outdoor enthusiasts.”