Wainwright’s meticulously hand-drawn maps, diagrams and drawings take walkers up the 214 principal hills and mountains of the Lake District, describing the main routes of ascent from different starting points, as well as lesser-known variants, showing the summit viewpoint panoramas and the ridge routes that can be made to create longer walks. Every page combines words and illustrations to present the routes in a way that is original, visually appealing and easy to follow.

The Northern Fells include the rolling Caldbeck and Uldale Fells – 'serene and restful, a perfect sanctuary for birds and animals and fell-walkers who prefer to be away from the crowds'; Skiddaw – 'an affable, friendly giant'; majestic Blencathra – 'the mountaineer's mountain'; Latrigg – the favourite of visitors to Keswick – and many more. They offer the walker excellent tramping and exhilarating freedom to wander at will..