Popularity of fells is increasing

Alfred Wainwright wrote more than 50 books

The fascination of the Lake District fells is increasing, according to tourism bosses in Cumbria.

The news comes as new figures show a massive 40,000 walking books were sold to visitors in 2004.

The Lake District National Park Authority says staff at its information centres have been amazed at the popularity of books by local authors.

Books by Alfred Wainwright, who published the first of his guides in 1955, remain among the most popular.

Karen Carter, the authority's southern information centres manager, said: "Every time we sell one of these books, maps, and guides it gives the information centre staff the opportunity to highlight the special qualities of the Lake District National Park.

"It's particularly nice to see people come back again and again as they gain confidence in their own walking ability and the quality of information they are receiving from the information centres and the literature we are promoting."