Beth & Steve Pipe – författare

Cumbria has been explored in many books over the years, but very little has been written about its rivers and yet, without them, the county would not have evolved in the way that it has. From the high fells to the extensive coastline, these rivers document the stories of our ancestors, from the first settlers to more modern industries. They also provide a vast variety of habitats to local wildlife as well as offering tantalising glimpses into the geological history of the county.In this unique book, author and photographer Beth and Steve Pipe explore ten Cumbrian rivers, covering the entire breadth of the county, following their journey from source to end. Along the way, Beth and Steve tell the story of each river’s formation, the wildlife and conservation concerns, as well as the social history of the areas they flow through. Each chapter focuses on a different river, including the Eden, Derwent, Kent, Caldew, Lune, Duddon, Esk and Irthing. The authors also highlight the local culture and show how the rivers have shaped and defined the county’s character and identity.Illustrated throughout, The Rivers of Cumbria will be of interest to local people, visitors and anyone with an interest in this beautiful part of the country.

Yarn production and the rearing of sheep have shaped the county of Cumbria, from ancient sheep breeds and farming methods impacting the landscape to yarn production and garment manufacture shaping many of the towns. Different breeds produce different yarns for different purposes, and today the Cumbrian sheep are competing on the world stage with yarns from around the globe.In Cumbrian Yarn: The Wool That Binds the County Beth and Steve Pipe follow local yarn production from the sheep to the sweater. They describe the breeds of sheep associated with the county, look at how sheep farming has shaped the landscape over the centuries, explore how the wools differ and how fleeces are obtained and then turned into yarns, and also look at how spinning and dyeing has changed over time. Sheep rearing and yarn and wool production have been a vital part of Cumbria for centuries and all face new challenges today. This fully illustrated look into the world of Cumbrian wool provides a unique insight into its fascinating history and its importance today.

With over 14 million visitors each year, you may think it’s odd to describe Cumbria as undiscovered, but the reality is the majority of those 14 million visitors return time and again to the same, well-trodden spots. This book turns the spotlight away from the tourist honey-pots, and on to the hidden gems that are so often missed.Historic Cumbria: Off the Beaten Track whisks the reader away to untold medieval tales, to rarely seen vistas of Cumbria’s rugged landscapes, and reveals how people have marked their existence on the region’s hills, valleys and coasts.

Cumbria defies any attempt to measure its true beauty. It is home to England’s highest mountain (Scafell Pike) and both the longest and deepest lakes (Windermere and Wast Water respectively). It also happens to be the third largest county in the UK (by area) and home to ‘Britain’s Favourite View’, but Cumbria captures your soul in a way that statistics and awards will never truly explain.There are far more than fifty gems in Cumbria and the Lake District, but the fifty in this book are a great place to start. To say they are places that we love is to do them a disservice; these are places that get under our skin and invade our mind, drawing us back to them time and again. Some of the gems will take your breath away, some will make you pause and think about how our ancestors shaped the landscape, while others have a fantastic tearoom or cosy pub nearby.50 Gems of Cumbria is overflowing with awe-inspiring photographs and fascinating facts to draw you closer to the places you already know and love and to tempt you to discover new gems of your own.

This unique book explores the history of Cumbria via ten ancient routes that wind through some of the most spectacular parts of the Lake District and the rest of the county. Illustrated throughout with Steve Pipe's stunning photography and inspired by Wainwright's Old Roads of Eastern Lakeland, this book will appeal to those interested in history as well as lovers of all things associated with Wainwright.The ten routes include the Roman road over High Street, the Cistercian Way (Barrow to Grange-over-Sands) and the Old North Road and encompass ancient stone circles, religious and industrial heritage, Beatrix Potter, the Second World War and much, much more.

Keswick is one of the most popular towns in Cumbria, beloved by local residents and the thousands of holidaymakers who visit the Lake District every year. Many are attracted by the spectacular surrounding scenery and the rich history of the area. Those who visit can appreciate why this part of Britain was such a source of inspiration to poets, authors and artists.The first recorded mention of Keswick was in 1276 when Edward I granted a charter for the local market, which is still held in the town today. During the sixteenth century, copper mining brought wealth to the area. Later it was graphite, and then the railways brought the tourists flocking here.In this book, local authors Beth and Steve Pipe seek out the fascinating hidden aspects of Keswick’s rich and intriguing heritage. Stories of local people, places and events weave a fascinating tale that spans the centuries. Discover the history and stories behind the Keswick Brewing Company, the town’s Literary and Scientific Society and the incredible Alhambra Cinema, which has been in continuous operation for more than a century. Learn more about Keswick’s graphite mining industry – a trade that gave the phrases ‘black market’ and ‘a wad of cash’ to the English language – and the town’s superb pencil museum. For visitors and residents alike, Secret Keswick will reveal more fascinating stories and the lesser-known gems to be found within this delightful Cumbrian town.