A Lancaster University professor is on track to help railway guru Michael Portillo uncover the delights of Cumbria in the new series of 'Great British Railways Journeys' on BBC TV.
Professor Simon Bainbridge, from the University’s Department of English and Creative Writing, joins Michael on a section of his Maryport to Penrith journey (episode eight of 20) on BBC 2 at 6.30pm this Wednesday (April 16).
During the railway journey through Cumbria and Dumfriesshire Michael heads to the hills as he follows in the footsteps of the Lakeland poets.
And it is in Keswick, where the former politician retraces the adventurous walks of English poet, literary critic, philosopher, and theologian Samuel Taylor Coleridge, that he is joined by Simon.
Coleridge was a founder of the Romantic movement in England and a member of the Lake Poets with his friend William Wordsworth.
During the programme Simon unveils how one of Coleridge’s legendary routes has been used as a form of therapy.
“It was a great pleasure to meet Michael at Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s house and to talk to him about the significant role the poet played in the invention of mountaineering,” said Simon, who has written about Coleridge’s climbing exploits in his book 'Mountaineering and British Romanticism'.
During the broadcast Simon and Michael also meet with Ian Whiteside, of Trek Therapy, to discuss walking’s therapeutic powers and their re-enactment of one of the poet’s most extraordinary excursions.
Michael also visits the striking ruins of Lowther Castle - once a grand gothic estate, now reborn as an extraordinary garden and joins a local litter-picking group who want to educate visitors.
At Ullswater, he discovers the native Herdwick and Rough Fell sheep, whose wool is finding eco-friendly uses today and tries his hand at herding the flock with dependable sheepdog Pick.
MP fights for refunds after Heysham medical centre patients get parking fines in error
Two teenagers arrested after car stolen during Hest Bank burglary
Lancaster medical students praised for helping man who collapsed
Man arrested on Morecambe beach after report of assault
Police probe burglaries in villages near Carnforth
Swift success as Lancaster councillors agree further help for endangered birds
Emergency services called to crash on M6 near Lancaster
Popular Morecambe eatery announces ‘difficult decision’ to close
Heartbreaking decision for family as Morecambe gift shop closure announced
Lancaster University PhD student off to Australia and New Zealand to tackle 'silent crisis'
PHOTO: Stolen pick up truck pulled from River Lune in Lancaster
LISTEN: Cyclists aim to raise £18,000 in 24-hour Lancaster challenge through pedal power
Award-winning Lancashire fire search dog who helped with earthquake rescues retires
Firefighters called to business park in Lancaster
Lancaster pupils turn 'creative history detectives' to celebrate life of art pioneer
Delight at Morecambe social club as theme park legend Frontier Fred drops in
Roads closed as gas mains upgrade work underway in Lancaster
Beyond Radio 10th birthday: How it all began
Morecambe social club to close for urgent safety works
44 new homes on land close to Lancaster city centre given thumbs up
