Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Inspiring Adventure by Vertebrate Publishing
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| Peak Bagging Wainwrights - with Author of Where There’s a Hill Sabrina Verjee | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:53:55 | |
In this episode of the Inspiring Adventure Podcast by Vertebrate Publishing, we are joined by Sabrina Verjee, ultrarunner, adventurer, and author of Where There's a Hill. Best known for her record-breaking completion of the Wainwrights round, Sabrina discusses her journey from adventure racing to ultrarunning, the planning and execution of her challenges, and the importance of confidence and resilience in the face of failure. She shares insights on the camaraderie within the running community, the role of Peak Bagging, and her life in the Lake District. Sabrina also hints at upcoming projects, including a new book focusing on philosophical questions related to running and personal growth. Sabrina Verjee lives in the Lake District, where she spends a lot of time running in the fells she loves. She has a background in adventure racing and modern pentathlon but is best known as an ultrarunner. She set a female record for the Pennine Way in 2020, was the overall winner of the 2019 Summer Spine Race, and has finished the ultra-endurance Dragon’s Back Race three times. Fuelled by a love of cake and supported by her husband Ben and a team of fell-running friends, Sabrina made four attempts on the 214-peak Wainwrights Round, and in June 2021 became the first person to complete it in less than six days. She runs her own independent, small-animal veterinary practice in Lancashire, which provides twenty-four-hour care to emergency patients. Where There’s a Hill is her first book. 00:00 Introduction to Sabrina Verjee 00:30 Discovering the Wainwrights 03:46 Planning the Wainwrights Round 05:43 Navigating and Team Coordination 07:13 The Joy of Running and Socialising 11:37 Learning Navigation Skills 18:18 Embracing Failure and Independence 24:27 Favorite Running Spots 26:32 Reflecting on the Wainwrights Round 27:23 Support System and Spontaneity 29:06 Helping Others and Community 30:08 Balancing Work and Play 32:22 Achieving the Wainwrights Record 33:28 Life in the Lake District 38:09 Writing 'Where There's a Hill' 45:23 Philosophical Musings and New Book 50:58 Future Running Goals 52:40 Closing Thoughts and Where to Follow Links Where There’s a Hill book by Sabrina Verjee Peak Bagging Wainwrights book by Karen and Dan Parker Follow Sabrina on Strava Follow Sabrina on Instagram References There is No Map in Hell book by Steve Birkinshaw Joss Naylor Alan Heaton Ed Douglas Host & Recording This episode was hosted by Sarah Lister, author of Mountain Walks Kinder Scout. It was recorded online on 2nd October 2025. Social media Follow Vertebrate Publishing on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky. Music Music by Mikhail Smusev from Pixabayhttps://pixabay.com/music/future-bass-no-copyright-music-394971/ | |||
| Peak Bagging: Peak District - with Author Anna Paxton | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:42:19 | |
In this episode of the Inspiring Adventure Podcast by Vertebrate Publishing we are joined by Anna Paxton, author of Peak Bagging: Peak District. Anna discusses her guidebook and shares personal insights on some of the Peak District's most rewarding routes. From her favorite trails to the influence of local landscapes on her writing, Anna provides both practical advice and heartfelt stories. Perfect for aspiring authors and enthusiastic peak baggers. Anna Paxton is a hillwalker and ultrarunner who has completed ultramarathons in the Alps and the USA as well as closer to home. She works as a freelance writer and film producer on a variety of outdoor-related projects. Born in Sheffield and now living just a short walk or run from the gritstone edges of Froggatt and Stanage, she is especially knowledgeable about the Peak District. Her first guidebook, Day Walks in East Anglia, was published in 2021; this was followed by Day Walks in Lincolnshire and Peak Bagging: Peak District in 2025. 00:00 Introduction to Anna Paxton and Peak Bagging 00:32 Exploring the Peak District: Must-Visit Spots 01:01 Personal Connection to the Peak District 01:58 Writing and Adventure: A Natural Blend 03:17 Journey into Writing and Outdoor Industry 09:31 Creating the Peak Bagging Guidebook 12:47 Comparing Landscapes: Dark Peak vs. White Peak 14:29 Adventures in the Howden Area 16:16 Anna’s other guidebooks 20:49 Appreciation for home in the Peak District 22:00 Challenges of Writing a Guidebook for Lincolnshire 23:52 Connecting with the Peak District Through Writing 26:57 The Joy of Peak Bagging 29:42 The Ethels 31:49 Encouraging Responsible Outdoor Exploration 35:00 Practical Tips for Using the Guidebook 41:31 Where to Find More from Anna Paxton Links Peak Bagging: Peak District book by Anna Paxton Day Walks in Lincolnshire book by Anna Paxton Day Walks in East Anglia book by Anna Paxton Ethel biography by Helen Mort Anna’s newsletter: Outdoorista Follow Anna on Instagram Vertebate Publishing website References Host & Recording This episode was hosted by Sarah Lister, author of Mountain Walks Kinder Scout. It was recorded outside at Cressbrook Dale (Route 22 from Anna’s book) on 28th September 2025. Social media Follow Vertebrate Publishing on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky. Music Music by Mikhail Smusev from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/future-bass-no-copyright-music-394971/ | |||
| Ep 22 - The Last Blue Mountain Audiobook (Chapter 1) | 21 May 2020 | 00:33:33 | |
‘When an accident occurs, something may emerge of lasting value, for the human spirit may rise to its greatest heights. This happened on Haramosh.’ The Last Blue Mountain is the heart-rending true story of the 1957 expedition to Mount Haramosh in the Karakoram range in Pakistan. With the summit beyond reach, four young climbers are about to return to camp. Their brief pause to enjoy the view and take photographs is interrupted by an avalanche which sweeps Bernard Jillott and John Emery hundreds of feet down the mountain into a snow basin. Miraculously, they both survive the fall. Rae Culbert and Tony Streather risk their own lives to rescue their friends, only to become stranded alongside them. The group’s efforts to return to safety are increasingly desperate, hampered by injury, exhaustion and the loss of vital climbing gear. Against the odds, Jillott and Emery manage to climb out of the snow basin and head for camp, hoping to reach food, water and assistance in time to save themselves and their companions from an icy grave. But another cruel twist of fate awaits them. An acclaimed mountaineering classic in the same genre as Touching the Void, Ralph Barker’s The Last Blue Mountain is an epic tale of friendship and fortitude in the face of tragedy. We published 200 special edition hardback copies of The Last Blue Mountain in March 2020, signed by Ed Douglas, author of the 2020 Introduction, and numbered. This special edition hardback offer is available exclusively from our website on a first-come, first-served basis for £24 per copy inc. UK P&P. The trade paperback edition of The Last Blue Mountain will also be published in March 2020 and will be available to purchase at the same time for £12.99 inc. UK P&P. AUDIOBOOK AVAILABLE HERE | |||
| Ep 21 - Seven Climbs (Intro and Chapter 1 extract) | 14 May 2020 | 00:17:43 | |
'Even the most casual reader among you will by now have worked out that the whole thing is little more than a delightful ruse for having a very good time.' Experienced climber Charles Sherwood is on a quest to find the best climb on each continent. He eschews the traditional Seven Summits, where height alone is the determining factor, and instead considers mountaineering challenge, natural beauty and historical context, aiming to capture the diverse character of each continent and the sheer variety of climbing in all its forms. The author's ambitious odyssey takes him to the Alps, the Himalaya, Yosemite, the Andes, Kenya, New Zealand and South Georgia. His goal is neither to seek glory nor to complete a box-ticking exercise, but simply to enjoy himself in the company of his fellow climbers, including Mark Seaton, Andy Kirkpatrick and Stephen Venables, and to appreciate the splendour of his surroundings. On classic routes like the North Face of the Eiger and the Nose on El Capitan, it is hard not to be swept away by Sherwood's unfaltering enthusiasm. Also featuring fascinating historical detail about each route, Seven Climbs is a compelling account of Sherwood's efforts to answer a much-debated question: which are the world’s greatest climbs? Buy it now: | |||
| Ep 20 - The Shining Mountain Audiobook (Chapter 1) | 07 May 2020 | 00:51:00 | |
‘It’s a preposterous plan. Still, if you do get up it, it’ll be the hardest thing that’s been done in the Himalayas.’ So spoke Chris Bonington when Peter Boardman and Joe Tasker presented him with their plan to tackle the unclimbed West Wall of Changabang – the Shining Mountain – in 1976. Bonington’s was one of the more positive responses; most felt the climb impossibly hard, especially for a two-man, lightweight expedition. This was, after all, perhaps the most fearsome and technically challenging granite wall in the Garhwal Himalaya and an ascent – particularly one in a lightweight style – would be more significant than anything done on Everest at the time. The idea had been Joe Tasker’s. He had photographed the sheer, shining, white granite sweep of Changabang’s West Wall on a previous expedition and asked Pete to return with him the following year. Tasker contributes a second voice throughout Boardman’s story, which starts with acclimatisation, sleeping in a Salford frozen food store, and progresses through three nights of hell, marooned in hammocks during a storm, to moments of exultation at the variety and intricacy of the superb, if punishingly difficult, climbing. It is a story of how climbing a mountain can become an all-consuming goal, of the tensions inevitable in forty days of isolation on a two-man expedition; as well as a record of the moment of joy upon reaching the summit ridge against all odds. First published in 1978, The Shining Mountain is Peter Boardman’s first book. It is a very personal and honest story that is also amusing, lucidly descriptive, very exciting, and never anything but immensely readable. It was awarded the John Llewelyn Rhys Prize for literature in 1979, winning wide acclaim. His second book, Sacred Summits, was published shortly after his death in 1982. Audiobook available, and also available as an ebook: | |||
| Ep 19 - Tides Audiobook (Chapter 1) | 06 May 2020 | 00:44:39 | |
This week's episode features a chapter from the award winning Tides by Nick Bullock.
Nick Bullock is a climber who lives in a small green van, flitting between Llanberis, Wales, and Chamonix in the French Alps. Tides, Nick’s second book, is the much-anticipated follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut Echoes. Now retired from the strain of work as a prison officer, Nick is free to climb. A lot. Tides is a treasury of his antics and adventures with some of the world’s leading climbers, including Steve House, Kenton Cool, Nico Favresse, Andy Houseman and James McHaffie. Follow Nick and his partners as they push the limits on some of the world’s most serious routes: The Bells! The Bells! on Gogarth’s North Stack Wall; the Slovak Direct on Denali; Guerdon Grooves on Buachaille Etive Mor; and the north faces of Chang Himal and Mount Alberta, among countless others. Nick’s life can be equated to the rhythm of the sea. At high tide, he climbs, he loves it, he is good at it; he laughs and jokes, scares himself, falls, gets back up and climbs some more. Then the tide goes out and he finds himself alone, exposed, all questions and no answers. Self-doubt, grieving for friends or family, fearful, sometimes opinionated, occasionally angry – his writing more honest and exposed than in any account of a climb. Only when the tide turns is he able to forget once more. Tides is a gripping memoir that captures the very essence of what it means to dedicate one’s life to climbing. | |||
| Ep 18 - There is No Map in Hell Audiobook (Chapter 1) | 23 Apr 2020 | 00:32:06 | |
In 1986, the legendary fell runner Joss Naylor completed a continuous circuit of all 214 Wainwright fells in the Lake District, covering a staggering distance of over 300 miles – plus many thousands of metres of ascent – in only seven days and one hour. Those in the know thought that this record would never be beaten. It is the ultimate British ultramarathon. The person taking on this superhuman challenge would have to be willing to push harder and suffer more than ever before. There is No Map in Hell tells the story of a man willing to do just that. In 2014, Steve Birkinshaw made an attempt at setting a new record. With a background of nearly forty years of running elite orienteering races and extreme-distance fell running over the toughest terrain, if he couldn’t do it, surely no one could. But the Wainwrights challenge is in a different league: aspirants need to complete two marathons and over 5,000 metres of ascent every day for a week. With a foreword by Joss Naylor, There is No Map in Hell recounts Birkinshaw’s preparation, training and mile-by-mile experience of the extraordinary and sometimes hellish demands he made of his mind and body, and the physiological aftermath of such a feat. His deep love of the fells, phenomenal strength and tenacity are awe inspiring, and testimony to athletes and onlookers alike that ‘in order to attain the impossible, one must attempt the absurd’.
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| Ep 17 - Wild Country: The man who made Friends (Extract) | 16 Apr 2020 | 00:12:35 | |
The wonderful John D. Burns reads an extract from Wild Country - The man who made Friends. Mark Vallance's influence on the outdoor world extends far beyond the company he founded. He owned and opened the influential retailer Outside in the Peak District and was part of the team that built The Foundry, Sheffield's premier climbing wall - the first modern climbing gym in Britain. He worked for the Peak District National Park and served on its board. He even found time to climb eight-thousand-metre peaks and the Nose on El Capitan. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in his mid fifties and robbed of his plans for retirement, Vallance found a new sense of purpose as a reforming president of the British Mountaineering Council. In Wild Country, Vallance traces his story, from childhood influences like Robin Hodgkin and Sir Jack Longland, to two years in Antarctica, where he was base commander of the UK's largest and most southerly scientific station at Halley Bay, before his fateful meeting with Ray Jardine, the man who invented Friends, in Yosemite. Trenchant, provocative and challenging, Wild Country is a remarkable personal story and a fresh perspective on the role of the outdoors in British life and the development of climbing in its most revolutionary phase. Mark Vallance (1945–2018), the man who made Friends. | |||
| Ep 16 - Helen Mort on why you Never Leave the Dog Behind | 09 Apr 2020 | 00:18:35 | |
Helen Mort is a writer, trail runner and climber who lives in Sheffield. She teaches creative writing at Manchester Metropolitan University, and her published work includes poetry, fiction and non-fiction, with a particular interest in women and mountaineering. Her first poetry collection, Division Street (Chatto & Windus, 2013), was shortlisted for the Costa Prize and the T.S. Eliot Prize, and won the Fenton Aldeburgh First Collection Prize. In 2015, Helen was chosen as one of the Next Generation poets. Her first novel, Black Car Burning (Chatto & Windus, 2019), was longlisted for the Portico Prize and the Dylan Thomas Prize. Helen is the author of Lake District Trail Running (Vertebrate, 2016) and editor of Waymaking (Vertebrate, 2018); and she has written for Alpinist, Climb, the Guardian, the Independent and Radio 3. In 2017, she was a judge for the Man Booker International Prize and chair of judges for the Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Literature. She was a judge for the 2019 Banff Mountain Book Prize. She has lived with a variety of dogs, but thinks a house is not a home without a whippet, which leads us to Helen's latest title Never Leave the Dog Behind which explores the relationship between people, dogs and the great outdoors. The book comprises interviews with dog owners and experiences with a variety of dogs as well as the author’s own observations as a runner, (initially nervous) dog owner and poet. | |||
| Ep 15 - Hard Rock with Martin Boysen and Ian Parnell | 02 Apr 2020 | 00:09:23 | |
Martin Boysen reads a short extract from one of his contributions to climbing classic, Hard Rock, followed by compiler of the new edition, Ian Parnell, reading his favourite essay from the book, Great Wall by Ed Drummond. | |||
| Ep 14 - Bothy Tales Chapter Two read by John D. Burns | 26 Mar 2020 | 00:21:22 | |
This week we're breaking from the normal structure in light of the changed working environment we're faced with due to the current global Coronavirus pandemic. So instead of an interview based episode here we have John D. Burns reading an extract from his book Bothy Tales. | |||
| Ep 13 - Open Water Swimming with Suzanna Cruickshank | 12 Mar 2020 | 00:30:56 | |
This week Rae is again joined by open-water and wild swimmer Suzanna Cruickshank. | |||
| Mountain Walks Three Yorkshire Peaks - with Author Hannah Collingridge | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:47:29 | |
In this episode of the Inspiring Adventure Podcast by Vertebrate Publishing, we get to know author Hannah Collingridge. Focusing on the charm of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Hannah shares her personal stories and passion for geology. From discussing the intricacies of writing guidebooks to recounting her own adventures and mishaps on the trails, the episode provides a blend of practical advice, fascinating trivia, and heartfelt experiences. Perfect for aspiring walkers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the geography of the Yorkshire Dales. 00:00 Introduction to the Inspiring Adventure Podcast 00:40 Celebrating Book Milestones 01:17 Get to know Hannah and Personal Introduction 07:02 Writing the Yorkshire Three Peaks Guidebook 10:14 Geology and Iconic Peaks 18:08 Personality in Guidebooks 22:48 Encouraging New Mountain Walkers 24:29 Balancing Safety and Enjoyment on the Three Peaks 26:09 Discovering the Hoffman Kiln 29:24 Reflections on Aging and Walking 31:33 Writing the Book: Process and Challenges 39:41 Choosing the Best Routes 42:50 Future Adventures and Close Links Mountain Walks Yorkshire Three Peaks book by Hannah Collingridge Pennine Bridleway book by Hannah Collingridge The Dirt Directory book by Hannah Collingridge Follow Hannah on Instagram Vertebate Publishing website Host & Recording This episode was hosted by Sarah Lister, author of Mountain Walks Kinder Scout. It was recorded online 1st May 2025. Social media Follow Vertebrate Publishing on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky. Music Music by DmitryTaras via Pixabay | |||
| Ep 12 - Nick Cotton on all things Mountain Biking | 28 Feb 2020 | 00:28:22 | |
This week Rae interviewed Nick Cotton, Mountain Biking guide author. Book recommendations:
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| Ep 11 - Deirdre Huston and Paul Webster talk Day Walks | 13 Feb 2020 | 00:28:00 | |
This week Rae has been speaking with two authors; Paul Webster and Deirdre Huston, who've both written for the highly regarded Day Walks series. Deirdre Huston is an award winning writer, film maker and photographer. She’s authored five titles with Vertebrate Publishing. The second edition of Day Walks on the South Downs is published in March and, as with all Day Walks books, has been updated and revised to keep it as current and accurate as possible.
Paul’s book recommendations:
Deirdre’s book recommendations:
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| Ep 10 - Here be Sarah Mussi to tell us about Dragons, Witches and Wizards | 30 Jan 2020 | 00:22:19 | |
Episode 10 of the Inspiring Adventure podcast, this week Rae is joined by the award winning YA author Sarah Mussi.
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| Ep 9 - Tough Girl Sarah Williams discusses challenges and fantastic females | 16 Jan 2020 | 00:39:08 | |
Inspiring Adventure from Vertebrate Publishing - the podcast that connects you to the great outdoors through literature. Episode 9 Sarah set up Tough Girl Challenges as a way of inspiring and motivating women and girls. She hosts the award-winning Tough Girl Podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of inspirational female explorers, adventurers and athletes. Sarah is no stranger to challenges of her own. In 2016 she took on the Marathon des Sables, which comprises six marathons across the Sahara desert. The following year she tackled the incredible Appalachian Trial. In 2018 she cycled from Vancouver in Canada down the Pacific Coast Highway to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. Last year she walked the Camino Portugues and the Lycian Way. So just ready yourself for a major serving of inspiration! To read more about Sarah’s other challenges and watch her videos you can delve into her adventures over on her website, toughgirlchallenges.com, or tune into her podcast to hear about other incredible women doing incredible things, The Tough Girl Podcast. Sarah is a firm believer is sharing the word when it comes to the achievements of women who are taking on incredible challenges, and has featured a number of the Fantastic Female Adventurers from Lily Dyu’s children’s book on her podcast. | |||
| Ep 8 - New Year's Inspiration! Walk, Run, Cycle or Climb into 2020 | 02 Jan 2020 | 00:48:35 | |
This is a compilation of four interviews with pros from the worlds of walking, running, cycling and climbing to help fuel your inspiration for some potential New Year's resolutions.
Next Episode: Rae chats with Sarah Williams (founder of Tough Girl Challenges and host of the Tough Girl Podcast) about Sarah's 100 day Appalachian Trial challenge. Due 16 January. | |||
| Ep 7 - A Waymaking Special | 26 Dec 2019 | 00:38:29 | |
Episode 7 features extracts from Waymaking read by your regular host, Rae, and guest author, Jen Benson. Waymaking is an anthology of prose, poetry and artwork by women who are inspired by wild places, adventure and landscape. This year is won the Jon Whyte Award for Non Fiction Mountain Literature in the Banff Mountain Book Competition. The artists who contributed to the Waymaking anthology are continuing the legacy of Gwen Moffat and Nan Shepherd, redressing the balance of gender in outdoor adventure literature. Readers are urged to stop and engage their senses in this inspiring and pivotal work. Through the Snow (Winter 2010) by Judith Brown Judith Brown has lived in the Lake District for thirty years, nurturing her passions: mountaineering, the natural world, history, t’ai chi and writing. Landscape and history are her key inspirations. She believes they form an important part of who we are. She finds how people interact with them physically, emotionally and spiritually endlessly fascinating. A founder member of Women Mountains Words, she has published articles and stories, including a collection shortlisted for the 2007 Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Literature.
Bernadette McDonald is the author of ten mountaineering books, including the multi-award-winning Art of Freedom, (Mountain Literature Award at the Banff Mountain Book Festival, the Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Literature and the National Outdoor Book Award for Biography). Her other mountaineering titles include Tomaž Humar, Brotherhood of the Rope: The Biography of Charles Houston, Freedom Climbers, Keeper of the Mountains: The Elizabeth Hawley Story, and Alpine Warriors. She has also received the Alberta Order of Excellence, the Summit of Excellence Award and the King Albert Award for international leadership in mountain culture and environment. She was the founding vice-president of Mountain culture at the Banff Centre and served as director of the Banff mountain festivals from 1988–2006.
Next Episode: New Year’s Resolutions, featuring with interviews from pros in the worlds of cycling, climbing, walking and running. Due 2 January. | |||
| Ep 6 - Suzanna Swims ... wild in the Lake District | 12 Dec 2019 | 00:25:15 | |
This is the podcast that connects you to the great outdoors through literature. Episode 6 Suzanna moved to Cumbria in 2008 and soon caught the bug for swimming outdoors. In 2016 she set up Suzanna Swims to help others access wild places by immersing themselves in open water. Whether you want to dip your toe in a tarn, float down a river or swim across a lake – Suzanna is your woman! Suzanna is currently putting the finishing touches to her book, Swimming Wild in the Lake District, in which she vividly describes her wild swimming experiences and brings the characteristics of each Lake - due out in April with pre-orders opening in the New Year. | |||
| Ep 5 - Pete Whittaker is quizzed by Instagram | 28 Nov 2019 | 00:18:34 | |
Pete is one half of the Wide Boyz duo, crack climber extraordinaire and now, author. He’s taken a brief break in signing pre-ordered copies of his first book, Crack Climbing, to answer some quick-fire questions from his Instagram followers. Our plan for Jerry Moffatt to put Pete under the spotlight was foiled by the challenge of co-ordinating the diaries of two of the best climbers in the world today, so you’ll have to settle for me as the voice of Instagram instead. Pete has just returned from a stint out in Yosemite where he completed seven walls in seven days with fellow climber Sean Warren. Each wall needed to be completed in under ten hours to allow them enough rest between climbs. You’ll be glad to know they achieved their goals, scaling El Cap’s Lurking Fear in nine hours, Leaning Tower’s West Face in five hours, Mount Watkins’ South Face in seven and a half hours, Washington Column’s 10 Days After in eight and a half hours, Half Dome’s Regular North-West Face in six and a half hours, Liberty Cap’s South-West Face in six hours and finally Lost Arrow Spire in seven hours fifty mins. Somehow in between his big week in Yosemite and heading up to Kendal Mountain Festival Pete managed to sign over 700 pre-ordered copies of his first book, Crack Climbing, and squeeze in this fun Q&A filled with questions from his followers on Instagram. If you’ve got any feedback on the podcast, or suggestions for topics to cover or people you’d like to hear from please drop me an email at rae@v-publishing.co.uk Our next episode comes out in a fortnight (our last one before Christmas on 12 December) where I’m chatting with Suzanna Cruickshank about her upcoming book, Swimming Wild in the Lake District. If that’s too long a wait then why not pop over to YouTube to catch our interview between Jon Barton and Jerry Moffatt which comes out next week. In the meantime, join the conversation by searching for Vertebrate Publishing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube or sign up for our newsletter at v-publishing.co.uk | |||
| Ep 4 - John D. Burns talks bothies in a bookshop | 14 Nov 2019 | 00:26:26 | |
John D. Burns is a mountaineer, storyteller and author. His first two books, The Last Hillwalker and Bothy Tales, were self-published bestsellers and were both shortlisted for TGO Magazine’s Outdoor Book of the Year. Earlier this year John joined Vertebrate Publishing with a three book deal to produce new paperback editions of The Last Hillwalker and Bothy Tales alongside his latest title, the novel Sky Dance, all published in September. John is currently working on his next title, Wild Winter, which is due to be published in Autumn 2020. John is a gifted storyteller and his performance poetry and one-man plays have taken him across the country from the Edinburgh Fringe to mountain festivals, bookshops to theatres and back again. His passion for the hills, mountaineering, bothies and keeping ’The Great Outdoors’ great and accessible to all is clear and infectious. I met John at the incredible independent Nottingham bookshop, Five Leaves, just before one of his events to chat about his life in wild and wonderful places, the lure of snow and how both of these influence his writing. Sky Dance is John’s first novel. It is a gripping read and view into the beauty of rural and wild Scotland, but also delves into the politics of land ownership, raptor persecution and conservation, challenging readers to face issues that surround the protection and access to some of the UK’s last wild places. To read it for yourself you can order signed copies from www.v-publishing.co.uk where we’re running a 30% off sitewide deal until Sunday 17 November, or keep an eye out for other offers in the run up to Christmas, including a 3 for 2 on all John’s titles. We’ll be back again in a fortnight, with an interview between two climbing legends; Jerry Moffatt and Pete Whittaker – be sure to join us for that. | |||
| Ep 3 - Leon McCarron interviews Tony Howard | 31 Oct 2019 | 00:32:07 | |
Tony Howard rose to fame in 1965 as one of a group of young climbers who made the first British ascent of Norway’s Troll Wall; a climb described by Joe Brown as, ‘One of the greatest ever achievements by British rock climbers’. Tony, and his wife, Di Taylor, have explored all over North Africa and the Middle East, surviving in many of these countries by living with the enigmatic Bedouin tribes. In this interview Tony talks about developing climbing and adventure tourism in Jordan and climbing and exploring in Iran, Sudan, Artic Canada, Morocco and Algeria. He also discusses the development of modern climbing equipment with which he was greatly involved a well as exploring the Sinai Trail and the relationship between climbing and travel. Quest into the Unknown is the jaw-dropping account of Tony Howard’s life of adventure, that is the very definition of true exploration. His life has been dedicated to travelling the world in search of unclimbed rock faces and remote trekking adventure; the scale of this being truly vast. It’s easy to place Quest into the Unknown as ‘the last word in adventure travel’ which will take you from Tony’s youth in the Peak District to Troll Wall, the Canadian Arctic, Jordan and Thailand, and this year the book was awarded Highly Commended in the Outdoor Book category at the Outdoor Writers and Photographer Guild Awards for Excellence. Buy Quest into the Unknown or Troll Wall | |||
| Creating the Mountain Walks Series - with Founder of Vertebrate Publishing Jon Barton | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:33:58 | |
In this special episode of the Inspiring Adventure Podcast by Vertebrate Publishing, we delve into the creation process of mountain guidebooks with Jon Barton, the founder and Managing Director of Vertebrate Publishing. Jon outlines the inspiration behind the Mountain Walks book series, which emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic to meet the increasing interest in outdoor activities. He discusses the selection of iconic peaks like Snowdon, Ben Nevis, and Helvellyn, and the unique features of these guidebooks, such as alternative routes, wildlife encounters, and well-researched instructions. Jon also shares insights into the evolution of guidebook usage, the selection of experienced authors, and the ongoing focus of Vertebrate Publishing on producing inspiring, high-quality outdoor adventure books. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring authors, people who want to walk in the mountains, and those interested in the publishing world of outdoor adventure. 00:00 Introduction to the Inspiring Adventure Podcast 00:40 Meet Jon Barton: Founder of Vertebrate Publishing 01:21 The Birth of the Mountain Walks Series 03:54 Expanding the Guidebook Series 04:45 Top Benefits of Mountain Walks Books 09:07 Challenges and Market Realities 11:34 The Allure of Snowdon 13:47 Selecting Mountains for the Series 18:31 The Decline of Physical Guidebooks 20:29 Future of the Mountain Walks Series 24:48 Inspiring Adventure: The Brand's Mission 30:30 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Books 33:37 Conclusion and Where to Buy Links Vertebate Publishing website Follow Jon on Instagram Host & Recording This episode was hosted by Sarah Lister, author of Mountain Walks Kinder Scout. It was recorded in June 2025. Social media Follow Vertebrate Publishing on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky. Music Music by DmitryTaras via Pixabay | |||
| Ep2 - Pete Whittaker talks about Crack Climbing | 17 Oct 2019 | 00:12:49 | |
Pete Whittaker is widely regarded as one of the best crack climbers in the world. He seeks out pioneering first ascents and revels in pushing his personal limits. Having grown up in the Peak District surrounded by the area’s world-famous gritstone crags, he has been climbing since the age of six and has gone on to rack up an impressive mix of climbing achievements on a variety of rock types and styles across the globe. As one half of the Wide Boyz duo with Tom Randall, Pete has become synonymous with hard crack climbing. He has taken techniques learnt on his local crags and has applied them to with great effect all over the world, most notably on the huge roof cracks in the desert areas of Utah, and on the big walls of Yosemite. Pete popped into the Inspiring Adventure podcast studio to talk to us about his climbing experience and give us a sneaky insight to what we can expect from his new book, Crack Climbing, which he’s written to provide a single point of reference for all crack climbing techniques, regardless of the grade you climb. Whilst Pete believes he has only scratched the surface of what is possible with hard crack climbing, we can all agree that his experience places him as a top authority in this field. His ability and willingness to share his learning has led to the production of Crack Climbing and it stands to be the one-stop-shop for learning and applying crack climbing techniques. These techniques should be at the core of any climber’s craft; and the book will help you develop skills with confidence and improve your climbing standard. We’ll be back again in a fortnight, with an interview between adventurer Leon McCarron and author of Quest into the Unknown Tony Howard, so do join us for that! | |||
| Ep1 - Scottish Island Bagging | 03 Oct 2019 | 00:09:39 | |
In this episode Rae interviews Helen and Paul Webster, co-authors of Scottish Island Bagging. Island Baggers: the people competing to visit all 706 isles around Britain - The Guardian One down, 705 to go: adventurers race to visit every single British island - The Times The rise of 'island bagging' - a race to visit every one of Britain's 706 isles - The Telegraph | |||
| Mountain Walks Helvellyn - with Author Tina Codling | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:49:51 | |
In this episode of the Inspiring Adventure Podcast by Vertebrate Publishing, we explore the fascinating process behind creating a mountain guidebook. The discussion features author Tina Codling, who shares the journey from aspiring writer to published author of Mountain Walks Helvellyn. Tina shares personal stories of discovering a passion for mountain walking, overcoming challenges, and eventually becoming a Mountain Leader. She talks about the importance of guidebooks in providing detailed and reliable information for outdoor enthusiasts. The episode emphasises the value of connecting with nature and the joy of guiding others to experience the beauty of the mountains. This interview is perfect for aspiring writers, mountain enthusiasts, and those curious about the intricacies of adventure book publishing. 00:00 Introduction to the Inspiring Adventure Podcast 01:36 From Aspiring Writer to Published Author 07:29 Developing and Proposing Walking Routes 10:50 Capturing the Essence of the Mountains 13:06 Where Tina’s Mountain Journey Began 20:33 The Impact of COVID on Outdoor Activities 23:28 Embracing a New Outdoor Lifestyle 25:14 Vertebrate Books Inspiring Adventure 26:41 The Value of Guidebooks 30:01 The Spirit of Helvellyn 37:10 Writing the Guidebook 40:37 Encouraging New Hikers 45:00 Warm Down Questions 47:02 Final Thoughts Links Mountain Walks Helvellyn book by Tina Codling Follow Tina on Instagram Vertebate Publishing website Host & Recording This episode was hosted by Sarah Lister, author of Mountain Walks Kinder Scout. It was recorded online 2nd May 2025. Social media Follow Vertebrate Publishing on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky. Music Music by DmitryTaras via Pixabay | |||
| Mountain Walks Kinder Scout - with Author Sarah Lister | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:44:38 | |
In this episode of the Inspiring Adventure Podcast by Vertebrate Publishing, commissioning editor Kirsty Reade interviews Sarah, author of Mountain Walks Kinder Scout. They discuss the motivations behind the Mountain Walks series, aimed at making UK mountains more accessible and varied for all abilities. Sarah shares her journey from a novice in mountain navigation to becoming a Hill and Moorland Leader and guidebook author. The conversation covers the unique aspects of Kinder Scout, transitioning from city life, and facing the fear of writing a book. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring authors, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in mountain adventures. 00:00 Introduction to the Inspiring Adventure Podcast 00:49 The Genesis of the Mountain Walks Series 01:52 Introducing Sarah 03:14 Sarah's Coaching and Guiding Work 05:34 The Therapeutic Power of Nature 08:36 Sarah's Transition from City Life 11:14 Discovering Kinder Scout 18:09 From Enthusiast to Author 22:58 Facing the Fear of Writing 24:47 Overcoming Initial Challenges 26:19 Finding Inspiration Outdoors 27:14 Crafting Routes for the Book 30:20 Balancing Popular and Hidden Routes 34:03 The Joy of Seeing Your Work in Use 35:48 Future Writing Plans 42:06 The Magic of Kinder Scout 44:02 Conclusion and Book Availability Links Mountain Walks Kinder Scout book by Sarah Lister Vertebate Publishing website Wild About Kinder website Host & Recording This episode was hosted by Sarah Lister, author of Mountain Walks Kinder Scout. It was recorded online 8th July 2025. Social media Follow Vertebrate Publishing on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky. Music Music by DmitryTaras via Pixabay | |||
| Mountain Walks Scafell Pike - with Author Graham Uney | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:50:43 | |
In episode 2 of the Mountain Walks series by Vertebrate Publishing, an experienced mountain guide and author, Graham Uney, delves into his love for the mountains dating back to his childhood, his journey in scouting, and becoming a professional mountaineering and climbing instructor. Graham discusses his dual career as a mountaineer and writer, recounts some of his most memorable mountain experiences, and shares the inspiration behind his guidebooks. This episode is an insightful listen for outdoor enthusiasts, aspiring authors, and anyone interested in mountain adventures. 00:00 Introduction to the Inspiring Adventure Podcast 00:39 Early Memories of the Mountains 01:44 Teenage Years and Scouting Adventures 02:31 Musical Journey and Social Media 04:21 Warmup Questions: Songs, Biscuits, and Gear 08:22 Challenging Weather and Memorable Experiences 11:14 Professional Life and Writing 12:20 Living in the Lake District 13:04 Exploring Scafell and Scafell Pike 20:21 Climbing Piers Gill and Safety Tips 22:35 Writing the Mountain Walks Book 28:20 Encouraging Safe Mountain Adventures 30:32 Approach to Writing and Publishing 35:34 The Appeal of Wainwright Walks 40:21 Role of a Fell Top Assessor 45:10 Future Plans and Career Reflections Links Mountain Walks Scafell Pike book by Graham Uney Vertebate Publishing website Graham Uney Mountaineering website Host & Recording This episode was hosted by Sarah Lister, author of Mountain Walks Kinder Scout. It was recorded online 10th June 2025. Social media Follow Vertebrate Publishing on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky. Music Music by DmitryTaras via Pixabay | |||
| Mountain Walks Ben Nevis - with Author Keri Wallace | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:50:43 | |
Welcome back to the Inspiring Adventure podcast by Vertebrate Publishing! We kick off our 6-part Mountain Walks series with Girls on Hills Co-Founder Keri Wallace. Keri discusses her personal journey from encountering a medical emergency on Ben Nevis to becoming a mountain guide and co-founding 'Girls on Hills' in 2018. She shares stories from her mountain experiences, the motivations behind her Running Challenges and Mountain Walks book, and the importance of encouraging more women to participate in trail and mountain running. Listeners will find inspiration in Keri's candid recounting of overcoming challenges, her passion for climbing and running, and valuable tips for exploring Ben Nevis. This episode offers insightful content for outdoor enthusiasts, aspiring authors, and anyone interested in personal growth and adventure. 00:00 Introduction to the Inspiring Adventure Podcast 00:40 Warmup Questions: Getting to Know Our Guest 06:28 The Journey of Girls on Hills 08:39 A Harrowing Experience on Ben Nevis 16:28 From Climbing Novice to working in the mountains 22:23 Navigating the Mountains Safely 24:14 Navigating Ben Nevis: Tips and Insights 26:03 Writing the Mountain Walks Book 28:10 Running Challenges: From Concept to Reality 43:14 Girls on Hills: Empowering Women in Trail Running 49:00 Reflections and Future Adventures Links Mountain Walks Ben Nevis book by Keri Wallace Running Challenges book by Keri Wallace Vertebate Publishing website Girls on Hills website UK Hillwalking article - My First Mountain Host & Recording This episode was hosted by Sarah Lister, author of Mountain Walks Kinder Scout. It was recorded online 19th June 2025. Social media Follow Vertebrate Publishing on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky. Music Music by DmitryTaras via Pixabay | |||
| Ep 24 - In Some Lost Place Audiobook (Chapter 1) | 04 Jun 2020 | 00:48:43 | |
In the summer of 2012, a team of six climbers set out to attempt the first ascent of one of the great unclimbed lines of the Himalaya – the giant Mazeno Ridge on Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth highest mountain. At ten kilometres in length, the Mazeno is the longest route to the summit of an 8,000-metre peak. Ten expeditions had tried and failed to climb this enormous ridge. Eleven days later two of the team, Sandy Allan and Rick Allen, both in their late fifties, reached the summit. They had run out of food and water and began hallucinating wildly from the effects of altitude and exhaustion. Heavy snow conditions meant they would need another three days to descend the far side of the ‘killer mountain’. ‘I began to wonder whether what we were doing was humanly possible. We had climbed the Mazeno and reached the summit, but we both knew we had wasted too much energy. In among the conflicting emotions, the exhaustion and the elation, we knew our bodies could not sustain this amount of time at altitude indefinitely, especially now we had no water. The slow trickle of attrition had turned into a flood; it was simply a matter of time before our bodies stopped functioning. Which one of us would succumb first?’ In Some Lost Place is Sandy Allan’s epic account of an incredible feat of endurance and commitment at the very limits of survival – and the first ascent of one of the last challenges in the Himalaya. AUDIOBOOK AVAILABLE HERE and also available as an ebook: | |||
| Ep 23 - Quest into the Unknown Audiobook (Chapter 1) | 28 May 2020 | 00:16:34 | |
We are all climbing where we are and with the gear we use in no small part due to Tony Howard’s quest for adventure. Tony Howard rose to fame in 1965 as a member of a group of young climbers from northern England who made the first British ascent of Norway’s Troll Wall; a climb described by Joe Brown as, ‘One of the greatest ever achievements by British rock climbers’. Tony went on to design the modern sit harness, now used universally by every climber in the world. He founded the company Troll Climbing Equipment but never stopped exploring. Quest into the Unknown is his story. Tony has dedicated his life to travelling the world in search of unclimbed rock faces and remote trekking adventures. The scale of his travels is vast: he has visited all of the North African countries, much of the Arab land of the Middle East, the mountainous regions of Scandinavia, Canada and the rocky spine of the Americas, the Himalaya, remote Indian provinces, South East Asia, Madagascar, South Georgia and Antarctica. This book, the last word in adventure travel, takes the reader from Tony’s youth spent developing the crags of the English Peak District, via whaling ships in the Southern Ocean, thousand-mile canoe trips in the Canadian Arctic, living amongst the Bedouin in the rocky mountains of Jordan, to the isolated opium tribes of Thailand. Tony Howard’s Quest into the Unknown is the jaw-dropping account of a life of adventure that is the very definition of true exploration. Also available as an ebook: | |||