Writing with all the evocative power that has made him such a doyen of Lakeland, Wainwright describes the routesover each of the forty-nine crossings that fits his definition of a pass - that it should permit access from either side, allowing a transit between two valleys. The original rough paths, used only by shepherds, were gradually improved, to evolve into vital routes for the local traders. When in due course better tracks and later rough roads were provided for vehicular traffic, the old ways were virtually abandoned and it was only in Victorian times that they regained popularity. Today, with Wainwright as our guide, the high and lovely places have become accessible to everyone sound of limb...