Rucksack Tales came into being because of my own desire to read more material set in The Lake District. In 2008 I was on the Coast to Coast walk and wanted a small book to carry with me. I discovered that there was very little contemporary fiction available that was based in this area so I set about writing my own stories. I think there is a lot more out there now.

I get a buzz when I read about a place I’ve visited – especially if it’s a place I would like to return to and hope you do too when you read through the pages. There is something quite exciting about settling into a book when you can visualise just where the character is! Many of the stories are set in the Ullswater area which, if pushed, I would say is my favourite. The Lake District attracts more than 12 million people a year and is renowned for its landscape: the lakes, the dales, the mountains and moorlands, the villages. They all contribute to the stunning scenery which covers 880 square miles and makes it the largest of Britain’s National Parks.

The photos were taken by me except for two: that of me sitting on a rock (looking a little too much like a Buddha!) and the close-up of iced-over grass were taken by my good friend, Shirley Knight, who deserves the credit.