Raistricks, and other hills over 1000 feet in the Yorkshire Dales

 

Conrad (aka Sir Hugh) put me on to this self published book, compiled as a labour of love by Bernard Peel as a retirement project.

For a tenner, you can't really go wrong, and Bernard was pleased to post me a copy.

It will be of interest to hillbaggers and to those who would like to seek out some of the less visited viewpoints in the Yorkshire Dales. There are, according to Bernard, some 242 hills of over 1000 feet, and they are assiduously listed in Annex 12 of this book.

The hills comprise:
23 Marilyns (minimum rise of 492 feet on all sides)
13 Hewitts (over 2000 feet with minimum rise of 98 feet on all sides)
8 Nuttalls (over 2000 feet with minimum rise of 49 feet on all sides)
72 Raistricks (between 1000 and 2000 feet with minimum rise of 100 feet on all sides)
126 Unclassified (over 1000 with minimum rise less than 100 feet on all sides)

The 'Raistricks' are Bernard's invention and are named after an inspirational Dalesman, Arthur Raistrick.

As well as the list of hills, the book contains numerous photos and various other information, including 'Minor Roads Offering Good Viewpoints' and a guide to 'Major Hills with Easiest Ascents'. That's just to get readers going I suppose; anyone wishing to tackle this list with vigour will need to work out their own routes - that's part of the fun.

This reminds me of the Lake District's 'Birketts' - Bill Birkett's excellent list of  541 Lakeland summits of over 1000 feet, but unlike Bill's publications it doesn't include much route information.

Once I'm allowed out, I may choose to start ticking off some of these hills, starting with the dozen or so Marilyns I haven't yet attempted. I suspect some of these may be suitable for 'socially distanced' solo walks when we are allowed out further than at present (I don't drive anywhere just now - week six of that - just get early morning suburban exercise for an hour or so from the front door).

If you'd like a copy of the book, you can obtain it by emailing Bernard at rosabernard.peel@btopenworld.com and paying by bank transfer.

Well done Bernard, I know it's very satisfying to self-publish a book.