Stand Up Paddleboarding in the Lake District by Jo Moseley
It doesn’t seem a moment since I reviewed Jo Moseley’s first publication, Stand Up Paddleboarding in Great Britain, and yet here I am with the second of her stunning books, Stand Up Paddleboarding in the Lake District, in my hands.
If Jo’s first book was anything to go by, I was really excited for this one to arrive and am so grateful for the opportunity to review it. Jo’s writing style is quite unique and different from many others but in a very good way. Jo doesn’t just give you the facts and figures for paddling in the Lake District; she has written another love letter to SUP and clearly has a wonderful relationship with the Lake District. We are taken on a journey where Jo weaves us through the mountains and lakes, their history and all those people she meets along the way. This is so much Jo’s style, and we are delighted nothing has changed.
Jo is meticulous about her research, and it shows. No stone is left unturned regarding the routes, launch spots or safety, to name but a few. We can imagine Jo, notebook in hand just before publication, trudging along a track to ensure that a specific gate was still there and working or that the cake provided at a favourite paddling cafe was still on the menu. That is why this book is such a joy.
Each route is written with beautiful storytelling. Then Jo provides guidance on multiple launch spots and parking per lake and technical information, including how to get there, webcams, permits, water sports centres, and boat information. There are many places to eat and stay, with information on what to do locally, such as cycling and exploring, and museums and castles to visit for each lake.
We love hearing about the people Jo meets along the way, like Harrison Ward, ‘Fell Foodie’, who cooks with her, along the way. Paddlers like Cal Major and Anna Little are also ‘creating an inspiring legacy’. These beautiful and interesting humans met along the way become familiar to us too.
Jo gives excellent information on lakes you are permitted to paddle on, down to the no-boating zones that protect certain wildlife – there is no excuse not to get it ‘right’ in the Lake District, as Jo has done all the hard work for you.
Fabulous photographs throughout
There are fabulous photographs throughout, many of which were taken by James Kirby. The lakes are stunning in all weathers, and James certainly has used his talents to showcase the Lake District in all its glory. The photos complement Jo’s wonderful writing.
I have never paddled in the Lake District for one reason or another, and reading this book makes me believe that I now have or will in the future. Its words and photos are as inspirational as it gets. It’s a beautiful guidebook whether you paddle or not, as it has so much information contained within, and it’s published by the award-winning Vertebrate Publishing, who “Want to connect readers both young and old to the outdoors and inspire adventure.”
We loved Jo’s first book and are now in love with the second. I have absolutely no doubt that this book will be as successful as the first. It’s a love letter to SUP and the Lake District, written by a woman who is passionate about both. Good luck, Jo, and happy paddling.
Price: £22.00
