Our walking guidebooks have always been one of our most popular ranges of books here at Okells. From favourite pub walks to local trails and coastal paths - they are practical, easy to follow and make a wonderful gift.  

We recently caught up with Carl Rogers, a local author who has written many of our best-selling titles. It was a pleasure to learn more about his journey into writing, his love for the outdoors, and Carl’s recommended books for walkers.

We wanted to know how Carl got into walking…

As a keen walker and outdoor enthusiast since childhood, he told us about exploring the mountains of Snowdonia with his parents - climbing his first big summit, Moel Siabod, at the age of just six. Carl began rock climbing with his dad on a local sandstone crag (Helsby Hill) while still at school.   

Since then, he has walked, climbed and scrambled throughout Snowdonia, the Lake District and Scottish Highlands, as well as the Alps and Norway. He has climbed almost half the Scottish ‘Munros’ (mountains over 3,000 feet), and completed all 214 of the Lake District’s Wainwrights.  

So, how did an enthusiasm for the outdoors turn into writing books?  

Combining an interest in cartography, photography and graphic design, Carl’s first walking book was published in the early 1990s. He then launched Mara Books, publishing local walking trails around Cheshire, including the Sandstone Trail. This expanded to include North Wales, with guides for the Anglesey Coast Path and Llyn Peninsula becoming best sellers.

Carl went on to co-found Northern Eye Books, publishing guides for UK national parks and trails - including the official guides to the Wales Coast Path and best-selling mini 'Top 10 Walks’ series, with almost 100 titles ranging from Scotland to Land’s End.

Carl’s recommended reading? 

I am most proud of the Snowdonia Mountain Walks book, but my bestselling title to date is the 'Anglesey Coast Path' guide which has been in print for 21 years. My longest running title is ‘Circular Walks Along the Sandstone Trail’ which has seen almost a dozen editions and revisions and has been continuously in print for 32 years! 

Okells team favourite walk

Some of our most popular books at Okells include ‘Best Walks in North Wales’, ‘Coastal Walks around Anglesey’ and Okells team favourite, ‘Circular Walks along the Sandstone Trail’. We can particularly recommend Walk 4, which starts and ends in nearby Kelsall - why not stop off at our coffee shop for a well-earned bite to eat after your walk? 

Our wide range of walking guidebooks are available to buy now at Okells Tarvin, with a selection of favourites available at our Hoole shop, too. 

Coming soon to Okells

‘Circular Walks in Wirral’ includes 17 circular walks exploring Wirral's beautiful coast and countryside.