Anthony Toole
Freelance travel and science writer
Anthony Toole was born and raised in the Lake District, where he has walked and climbed throughout his life. He was educated as a scientist and taught Chemistry for many years. His early publications were in hill-walking and mountaineering magazines, but he has broadened into more general travel writing, though with the emphasis mainly on the outdoors, nature and conservation. He has published more than 500 magazine and online features about his visits to more than 20 countries. He also writes about Science. He has received three Awards for Excellence from the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild, of which he is a member.
Recent articles by Anthony Toole
Scafell Pike walk, Lake District: how to scale England's highest mountain
Climb to the summit of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, on this challenging 5-mile route in the Lake District National Park
Fleswick Bay, St Bees Head, Cumbria: What to see and do
Perfect spot along the Cumbrian coastline for nature lovers and hikers. Plan your escape to Fleswick Bay and St Bees Head to experience the raw beauty of this coastal haven.
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland: What to see and do
A grand day out: Explore the medieval splendour of Belsay Castle, admire the Greek Revival architecture of Belsay Hall, and stroll through the enchanting gardens
St Cuthbert’s Cave walk, Northumberland
This short circular walk takes you to Northumberland's famous St Cuthbert’s Cave via 205m-high Greensheen Hill.
Kielder Forest walk, Northumberland
Explore tranquil Kielder Water, the uk’s largest man-made lake, and the mighty Kielder Forest on this long circular walk in Northumberland National Park
Loughrigg Fell walk, Cumbria
You don’t have to climb high in the Lake District to get the finest fell views – this short circular walk to the top of Loughrigg Fell and along Loughrigg Terrace offers rewards aplenty
Walk: Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk
As you wander along this glorious figure-of-eight route through a Norfolk fen, keep your senses alert for creeping water deer, slow-flying marsh harriers and butterflies on the wing
Walk: Langdon Beck, County Durham
Remote, exposed and etched with crescents of snow, the uplands of the North Pennines offer little in the way of sanctuary for wintering wildlife – yet in this ice world, one hardy bird thrives
Day out: Hauxley, Northumberland
Northumberland’s long shores of sand and rock are a popular hang-out spot for winter
visitors, such as sanderlings, brent geese and eiders.
Walk: Plessey Woods, Northumberland
From the bright-yellow celandines of the woodland floor to the drumming woodpeckers of the high canopy, this country park offers the perfect spring escape
Walk: St Mary’s Island, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear
Even in the midst of winter, Britain’s north-eastern shores are home to a spectacular array of wildlife, including white-feathered snow buntings, playful seals and flocks of golden plovers
Walk: Lindisfarne, Northumberland
Take a four-mile walk around a sacred tidal island, rich in history and wildlife
Day out: The Sill, Northumberland
Celebrate Northumberland’s dramatic landscape at the modern discovery centre before walking in the footsteps of Romans along Hadrian’s Wall
Day out: Harthope Valley, Northumberland
Settle back with sandwiches beside the tumbling waters of Harthope Burn in Northumberland
Walk: Upper Coquetdale, Northumberland
An eight-mile walk over the broad grassy ridgelines, steep-sided valleys and ancient droving routes of Northumberland’s Cheviot Hills
Day out: River Coquet, Northumberland
From lofty medieval castles to meandering riverside bends, explore Warkworth's heritage, walks and wildlife.
Walk: Alwinton and Harbottle, Northumberland
Enjoy the history, geology and wildlife of two of Northumberland’s most peaceful villages
Walk: Otterburn Ranges, Northumberland
Follow a high-level route on the Otterburn Ranges in Northumberland National Park to observe wild goats, moorland birds and perhaps, if you are lucky, rare black grouse
Walk: Hannah’s Meadow, County Durham
Enjoy the sounds, scents and colours of an old-fashioned flower-rich meadow on a leisurely walk in a beautiful North Pennine valley, which celebrates the life of Dales farmer and recluse Hannah Hauxwell