Today sees us celebrate books and what better way than to look at some novels that can inspire us to see more of the uk outdoor gear at the ready everyone. Here are a couple of ideas that have sprung to my mind, but see if you can to these.

I thought about the national parks we have in the UK and whether I could think of books associated with them which would make you get outdoors and enjoy your own adventure. The first on my list is the children’s classic tale ‘Swallows and Amazons’ by Arthur Ransome. This tells the story of two groups of children enjoying an idyllic summer in The Lake District in 1929, based around Lake Coniston as they sail boats, camp out and cook outdoors, even fighting a pirate and returning his ‘lost treasure’ to him. A time of innocence maybe, but none the less inspirational to explore the Lakes and the surrounding fells.

It eventually became a series of twelve books and the first was made into a film in 1973, a fond memory for those of us over the age of 40.

For The North Yorkshire Moors what else but Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte could supply an image of windswept moors and weather at its best and worst. The story is one of revenge. It follows the life of Heathcliff, a mysterious gypsy-like person, from childhood (about seven years old) to his death in his late thirties. Heathcliff rises in his adopted family and then is reduced to the status of a servant, running away when the young woman he loves decides to marry another. He returns later, rich and educated, and sets about gaining his revenge on the two families that he believed ruined his life.

Close by is The Yorkshire Dales and what better story to follow than that of the vet James Herriot and his tales of ‘All Creatures Great and Small’, as he learns the ins and outs of treating animals for a living. The stories were written by a real vet, but the name of James Herriot is actually a pseudonym, the real name of the author was Alf Wright, but with several books, a film version and a long running tv series starring the likes of Christopher Timothy, Peter Davidson and Robert Hardy it certainly inspired people to get out and experience the Dales themselves

So three examples of books that can inspire you to get outdoors in your uk outdoor gear, and I’m sure you can add more for each and every national park we have, why not drop me a line. And if you need new kit then check out the website for our latest bargains.