Acclaimed Cumbrian film-maker and one of the country’s best-known outdoors authors has released a new book to quench the thirst of those who love the Lake District National Park’s world-class landscape.
In his book, self-taught independent documentary film-maker and photographer Terry Abrahams reveals more about his passion for life and the Lake District, blending tales of his life with photography and production stories from his hit BBC TV series, ‘Life of a Mountain’, enjoyed by millions of viewers.
The ‘Life on the Mountains’ series has been ten years in the making and chronicles Terry’s unforgettable travels around the Lake District and its mighty fells; as well as exploring what led to his life-long passion for the National Park. His credits include: Filmmaker of the Year – Cumbria Life Culture Awards; Broadcast Programme of the Year – Travel Media Awards; Outdoors Personality of the Year 2016; Winner of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild.
In his foreword, Cumbria Tourism’s president Eric Robson wrote: “(the book is) graced by exquisite photography, much of it helped by Terry’s fondness for wild camping. There are captured landscapes in these films and book that I have never seen. This book is a stunning contribution to Lakeland literature.”
The book’s release was originally planned to coincide with the concluding chapter of Terry’s ‘Life of a Mountain’ series, production of which has been postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, Terry has decided to publish the book on schedule in efforts to lift the spirits of people who have been unable to visit the National Park in recent weeks due to the current government measures to restrict non-essential movement.
Terry, who is also a Professor of Practice at the University of Cumbria – one of Cumbria Tourism’s Strategic Partners, said: “Given the dark times we’re all becoming reluctantly accustomed to, my publisher and I felt it would be a good opportunity to go ahead and launch the book as a means of promoting something positive and uplifting about the Lake District.
“Many of the book’s tales are insights into the production of the ‘Life of a Mountain’ series, and cast some well-deserved light onto the help I received from two wonderful film and media students from the Uni’, who joined me on the fells in all weathers to film the final instalment, focussing on Helvellyn. As production of the series’ swansong has been put on hold until after the Covid-19 crisis, I hope fans of the series and of the Lake District are able to ‘plug the gap’, so to speak, with the help of this book instead. I can’t wait to share my story and I hope people love reading it as much as I loved writing it.”
Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, added: “Our visitors have been so patient in recent weeks, respecting the advice not to visit here. With that in mind, Terry’s book has come along at just the right time. We know that would-be visitors are turning to the internet, television, and books to get their Lake District ‘fix’ until the time is right for them to return. Terry’s book will be a perfect companion for them and is also sure to inspire people who have still not yet had the pleasure of experiencing the Lake District for themselves.”
‘Life on the Mountains’ will ship from 9th May and is available online. Meanwhile, a preview the trailer of his forthcoming documentary ‘Life of a Mountain: Helvellyn’ can be viewed on Vimeo.
For updates on when viewers can expect to see the final instalment on their screens, follow Terry Abraham on Twitter here.
