Nowt But a Fleein' Thing: A History of Climbing on Scafell by Mark Cocker and Al Phizacklea, £35

Scafell is the highest crag in England, Central Buttress probably the most famous climbing route. Many times over the years both the mountain and the routes have been included in books about the history of climbing and the Lake District but this beautiful book is the first entirely devoted to them.

In 1874 George Seatree and Stanley Martin made the first ascent of North Climb which was the first time the main face of Scafell had been ascended outside of the obvious gully lines. It was the start of great things on the crags of Scafell. Upon hearing their report of this new route Will Ritson, landlord of the Huntsman's Inn, looked at them incredulously, and declared in his usual broad Cumbrian dialect..."Nowt but a fleein' thing could git up't crags on't Wasdale Head side."

The full 200-year history of climbing on the crags of in both summer and winter conditions are covered with every route noted and the significant ascents being described in detail and each accompanied with full colour photographs from both archives and newly commissioned work.

CAROLINE REECE

WATERSTONES KENDAL