Introduction

Abstract

Those of us who spend a lifetime in one career are so familiar with the subject matter that it becomes easy to assume that most people are acquainted with at least some of the fundamentals. This is not necessarily so, however, and many who are expert in their own field can easily think that other disciplines are too specialised for their attention, that the subject matter may not interest them, or that there is little time in a busy life to master the details. As far as geology is concerned I am convinced that those who enjoy scenery will be interested in geological explanations, provided that they are kept simple and not confused by unnecessary jargon. I aim therefore to interpret the geological landscape of the Lake District so that those physically active members of our community who derive pleasure from fell walking will gain the added interest of knowing something of the ways in which the mountains were formed.