Mark Sutcliffe
Mark is a Lancashire-based outdoor writer and photographer who enjoys walking and cycling in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. Mark is active in conservation and sustainability projects in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and leads walks in Bowland and up on the West Pennine Moors and in 2017 completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. He has also hiked extensively in Scotland, Wales and across Europe. His latest guidebook: Walking In Lancashire, was published in July 2021.
Recent articles by Mark Sutcliffe
Britain’s coldest winters – from 1946 to 2024
While parts of the UK may only experience a light dusting of snow, in other areas a deep blanket can form. Here's our guide on the best places in Britain to see snow and tips on how to stay safe
Taylor Swift's beloved Windermere is flooded with sewage, finds new investigation
Water accompany accused of pumping 10 million litres of raw sewage into England’s largest Lake in repeat of 2022 pollution incident
Yorkshire Dales guide: things to do, places to stay and great walks
Planning a holiday in the Yorkshire Dales? We've unearthed some of the very best hidden gems in the national park to help you avoid the crowds.
Yorkshire Dales hotels: five heavenly stays
Looking for a hotel in the Yorkshire Dales? Here are a few of our favourites, from luxury hotels to cosy village inns
Yorkshire Dales camping: five gorgeous campsites
Looking for a back-to-nature escape in the Yorkshire Dales National Park? Here are five fabulous campsites to stay at
Yorkshire Dales cottages: five beautiful places to stay
Such is the vastness and beauty of the Yorkshire Dales that picking the best place to stay can be a little tricky – here, we reveal five of our favourite cottages for the perfect holiday base.
Pennine Way: your ultimate guide to walking the trail
Looking to take on one of the world’s greatest long-distance walks? Then trek the backbone of England – an epic trail over beautiful hills, via sparking waterfalls, pretty villages, and blooming wildflower meadows. Our expert guide to the Pennine Way includes information on planning, walk length, route stages and maps. All that's left now is to walk...
Lingmoor Fell walk, Lake District
This lowland circular walk through the heart of the Lake District is packed with splendours, including Blea Tarn, Chapel Stile and the glorious Langdale Pikes
Walk: Upper Wharfedale, North Yorkshire
Head to the Yorkshire Dales in search of three of the national park’s finest attributes: limestone uplands, enchanting valleys and picturesque waterfalls with this easy walk.
Easy UK mountains and peaks for beginners
Sometimes, the prospect of climbing to the top of a mountain can be a little intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Discover some of Britain’s best mountains and peaks in our guide to the top easy climbs for beginner hikers.
Walk: Leighton Moss and Silverdale, Lancashire
Explore Lancashire’s rugged limestone coast and an wildlife-filled nature reserve on a car-free eco escape
Guide to hen harriers: identification, distribution and where to see them
Get to know one of Britain's rarest bird species with our expert guide to hen harriers, including how to identify them, conservation status, where they live and how you can help protect them.
Walk: Ennerdale and Haystacks, Cumbria
Ennerdale is the most remote valley in the Lake District and one of the National Park’s best-kept secrets – follow this lakeside route to the summit of Haystacks
Ardmeanach, Mull, Inner Hebrides walk
Take a hike on Scotland's Isle of Mull and discover towering cliffs, wild waters and the fossilised remains of a 50-million-year-old tree
History of Scottish whisky: Islay, Inner Hebrides
Why is one Scottish island so famous for making whisky? Our guide looks at the history of Scotland's single malt whisky on the island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides, and the best single malts to try
Weekend guide to Keswick
If you love outdoor adventures, Keswick is arguably one of the best places in the UK to spend a few days within the spectacular landscape of the Lake District. Part of a new series, here is our expert guide on places to visit, stay and eat in this outdoors lovers paradise.
Why are the National Parks expanding?
From 1 August 2016, the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks are expanding - only to be separated by the M6 motorway. But why are they expanding? Here's all you need to know
Where the Dales meet the Lakes
On 1 August 2016, two of Britain’s favourite national parks are expanding to connect to each other. Mark Sutcliffe heads off for a weekend of walks through the newly protected areas of stunning scenery.