1. Can I use this website on my phone, or just on my laptop or tablet?

The website has been designed to work using all three types of device, although it will be best enjoyed on something with a bigger screen than a phone (where poetry lines etc will be distorted).

2. How do I find a route local to where I’m based?

The routes in the contents page of the guidebook are organised according to the order in which they were created, as opposed to geographical area or ‘theme’, but place references are built into the titles to help choose a nearby route. A quick reference guide to routes and their aims is also available here to help you decide.

3. How do I know where the route starts, and where it goes?

Each route includes links to a google earth pin of the starting point, plus directions, a map and downloadable gpx files. The maps on each route page are freely provided courtesy of Viewranger, which can easily be plotted on to your own OS or Harvey Map. More details and interactivity can be accessed by clicking on the map, which will link you through to the Viewranger website where additional features are available to subscribers such as OS maps, and 3D route flyovers. Alternatively, the GPX file can be downloaded for use with different mapping apps such as OS maps.

4. How do I know whether I’m experienced enough to do the route? Are any of the routes wheelchair accessible?

The routes in Scree are graded: extreme, difficult, moderate, easy and fully accessible. Please note that these are subjective gradings, and it is your own responsibility to only set out on routes which you judge to be within your capabilities. A small handful of routes are accessible for wheelchairs, but where possible I have included details about how exercises could be completed from the roadside / valley if necessary.

5. How long will the route take me?

No route timings are provided in the route instructions, since this varies so much depending on whether you hike, run or wheel, how fast you go, and how long you spend on the writing / art exercises. Please note that the addition of art activities extends the route timings significantly! The timings you will see if you click through to the Viewranger website are not an accurate guide, since they are based on my own route-finding recces, during which process a lot more was involved than just following the route, as provided.

6. What if Covid or other restrictions mean I can’t go to the Lake District?

During the past year, we’ve all come to far better appreciate and know the local walks around our homes, as Covid restrictions have prevented us from travelling. In recognition that restrictions might continue, and also that you might prefer to apply the experiments to your local area, ideas for adapting the experiments are provided, to be applied to walks-from-home. Alternatively, you can complete the exercises virtually, drawing on Lucy and other participants’ own photos, videos and sound files, from the comfort of your armchair.

7. I don’t understand the route aim…does this mean that I can’t do the route?!

Some of the route aims are straightforward, and other ones a bit more complex / obscure. If you don’t get it, it doesn’t matter one bit, since the aims are embedded in the route. However, if you do want to understand better then you can revisit the About page, where the theories behind the project are explained. If you still don’t understand, then please do let me know by emailing thisisscree@gmail.com! It’s hard to get the balance right between clarity and overload, and if you don’t understand, then I’ve not quite got this right.

8. Are the writing and art exercises suitable for kids?

Some of the concepts in Scree might be too complex for children, but there is no reason why they can’t do some of the associated experiments, with the support of a responsible adult.

9. Do I have to write something, take photographs, or make some art, in response?

There is nothing about Scree that you have to do, and it might be that you prefer to just think about the route’s aims rather than engaging through art. If this is the case, then please feel free to respond to the route in the Comments section of each route, outlining where the experiment took you!

10. What kind of writing or art are you expecting?

Because of the author’s own background, the writing and art activities are best suited to poetry and photography. But by no means are these the only mediums in which you can respond. Excerpts of autobiographical writing, sketches, stories, sculptings…are all welcome. What matters is not the form, but taking part! I’m also keen to encourage submissions from a wide range of aesthetic tastes, from the more traditional to the wildly experimental!

11. How can I share my work?

Please email your work to thisisscree@gmail.com for inclusion in the submissions section of this website (organised according to month). Please limit what you submit to one poem or ‘story’, or a single image (otherwise I will have to choose one). Other that quantity limits, and also moderation of offensive or inappropriate material, all submissions will be published. Feel free to comment on other people’s work, but please keep your comments positive and encouraging if you choose to do so!

12. Can I do the routes with others?

Of course, there is nothing stopping you teaming up with friends or family to complete the routes (Covid rules permitting) - indeed it will probably be most fun of all to do so! If you would like to join a writing course, which leads you on similar routes to those provided here, in a guided capacity, you can book a place here.

13. What will you do with my work if I share it online?

The aim is to select the best work created in response to Scree at the launch event at Kendal Mountain Festival and during the exhibition at Wordsworth House.. Scree will endeavour to contact all artists and writers in advance 9and you will of course be appropriately credited), but if you expressly require that your work is not to be shared beyond the confines of this website, please let me know at the time of submission.

14. I really like that photograph which the author of Scree has taken. Can I buy a copy?

Great stuff! Of course you can, by placing an order at the online shop, and emailing thisisscree@gmail.com to let us know what print you require.

15. I’ve found a mistake in a route description. What do I do?

As per my route disclaimer, every endeavour has been made to ensure the accuracy of the route descriptions provided. However, in this early stage of development, it remains possible that small errors might have slipped through the net. Please do let me know as soon as possible if you find anything.