Kinder Scout is Paul’s favourite place. In this interview he describes why it’s special to him and why he thinks it’s loved by others. He poses the question: “How can something that has taken lives and can be so threatening and violent be beautiful?” Paul shares timeless stories and reflections that will both capture and hold your attention. If you’re familiar with the landscape and nature of Kinder then you’ll undoubtedly find yourself nodding and smiling to yourself while you listen. This will be an episode to return to time and time again, and will leave you wanting more!

Paul Besley is a writer who lives in Sheffield. His books include, Day Walks in the South Pennines and 1001 Walking Tips for Vertebrate Publishing, and three Peak District guidebooks for Cicerone Press. He has also written for outdoor magazines. For many years Paul volunteered as a ranger for the Peak District National Park. He was also a team member of Woodhead Mountain Rescue, and a dog handler in Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England with his Border Collie, Scout. 

Listen now to find out why Paul thinks Kinder Scout is magical!

Links

Buy Paul's book: The Search - The life of a mountain rescue search dog team by Vertebrate Publishing.

Paul Besley’s story about when he fell off a mountain

Paul Besley on Mountain Walking Newbies podcast: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3.

References

Scout on Twitter and Instagram

Doug Scott obituary in The Guardian

Henry Moore

Mark Richards

Cicerone

Andrew Beavers

Recording date

This interview was recorded inside a barn at Lee Farm along the start of the Pennine Way towards Jacobs Ladder on Kinder Scout, on Friday 3rd November 2023. 

Host & Production

By Sarah Lister, About The Adventure

Contact the host

You can email [email protected] to send in your comments and suggestions.

Get involved with the conversation

Send in your own Kinder Scout stories on the Wild About Kinder website and contact the show host to send in your comments, questions and suggestions.

Share your favourite episodes by tagging @about.the.adventure on Instagram @ABTheAdventure on Twitter, and use the hashtag #WildAboutKinder. Thank you!