Cape Wrath Trail photography in Wanderlust Europe.

I’m deeply proud to have a series of my travel photographs published today (15 September) in a major new book about European hiking trails: Wanderlust Europe, from the art and photography publishers Gestalten. I’ve always thought photography is best seen in print, and this book makes great use of my work – along with images from some excellent fellow hiking photographers – to illustrate guides to some of the best trails in Europe.

Pictures from my hikes along the Pennine Way, through the Lake District and – ruefully – the Cape Wrath Trail feature alongside words by the excellent Alex Roddie, who edited the book. I’ve been lucky to see an advance copy: it’s a beautiful publication that offers hikers and nature lovers clear advice and inspirational photography to help them plan their next European adventure. Given Alex’s experience as a long-distance hiker, writer and photographer, I couldn’t be happier to have worked with him to show some of my own work.

This new publication comes during a difficult year for me. Covid-19 ruined my second planned attempt on the Cape Wrath Trail, and an excruciating experience with kidney stones has left me about as unfit as I’ve ever been. The economic turndown, too, has exacted a heavy price: work has been slow for every freelance photographer and journalist I know, especially those of us who need to travel for our stories and subjects.

But I’m an optimist by nature: there’s always something better around the corner – and, indeed, often something to smile about right now. That’s the exact effect Wanderlust Europe has had on me. It’s not just about seeing my work as I think it should be seen; it’s about feeling inspired again to plan my next adventure, wax my boots and pack my kit. I’m absolutely sure it will have the same effect on you.

Wanderlust Europe is available now from Gestalten.