Writing, mostly.

Fresh from the trails around Grasmere, it seemed like fate to return home to find a series about Wainwright starting up on BBC4. Each week, a programme is devoted to one of Wainwright’s most loved walks. The opportunity to show the stunning landscape and hear the wit and observation of AW come through was not to be missed. Yet missed it was as Julia Bradbury – that well known travel correspondant – managed to drain the Lakes of all interest. Her witless observations attempted to place a modern spin upon Wainwright as she so aptly observed things such as “Wainwright believed the Lakes could take your mind off incessant worries – we all have incessant worries don’t we?” The depth of her analysis reached across the valleys in a way that would surely unite any person who would claim to love that land. The landscapes, dull as they are, were lifted by lingering close-ups of Julia’s blank face as the cameraperson cleverly contrasted those smooth lines with the ancient crags. Truly, a masterclass in documentary making.

I’d rather have watched Johnny Vegas drag himself up there. At least it would have been entertaining.

I have returned to my desk after a two week break, walking the hills and valleys of Cumbria. Yet it’s only here that I feel herded as I sign on and off the train, showing my pass and squeezing through the human barriers. Soon I’ll be subject to random searches during the journey because security is paramount. Living safely is more important than living freely.