Lancaster University Professor stars in new season of Great British Railway Journeys

A Lancaster University Professor, Simon Bainbridge, who works in the department of English Literature and Creative Writing was given the opportunity to join Journalist and former member of Parliament, Michael Portillo on his journey from Maryport to Penrith

This has taken place within the newly released series of Great British Railways Journeys.

During this new series, Michael Portillo made his journey through Cumbria and Dumfriesshire, making his way to the lakes in order to gain a greater insight into the Lakeland poets such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.  

Samuel Taylor Coleridge is well known for his writing during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, such as The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Lyrical Ballads, a series of ballads written by both Coleridge and William Wordsworth.  

In Keswick, a market town and civil parish in the Cumberland unitary authority area of Cumbria, famously known as the home of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Michael was joined by Simon Bainbridge after which they retraced the steps of one of the most notorious Lakeland poets.  

After his experience, Simon Bainbridge said: “It was a great pleasure to meet Michael at Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s house and to talk to him about the significant role the poet played in the invention of mountaineering.” Simon has previously written Coleridge’s descriptions of mountaineering and Romanticism. 

During their excursion, Michael and Simon also met with Ian Whiteside, of Trek Therapy, to discuss the positive effects that walking can have for personal wellbeing, whilst they follow in Samuel Coleridge’s footsteps through scenic trails once walked upon by Coleridge.  

Episode 8 of Great British Railway Journeys, from Maryport to Penrith is available to watch on BBC IPlayer.