Gone Feral: Wild in the Woods and Fells of the Lake District

by Steven Freeman, Geoff Read (Illustrations)

Homeless, though not jobless, Freeman camps out in a wood for a season and celebrates the wild in Nature, as against the tamed, domesticated and commodified of modern society. Not so much a lifestyle choice but his only realistic option, given the lack of affordable accommodation, he turns a difficult situation into an adventure – re-wilding himself by simply being in the wood and also running on the fells, when he's not working at the shop or the pub. The fell-running includes a fifty-mile round, which brings out observations and reflections on Lakeland life and history, as well as his own history and philosophy. Back at the wood the weather takes a turn for the worse and being a rough sleeper becomes a struggle. After five months of living close to Nature, with trees and birds for company, he is faced with the prospect of having to leave the wood behind and return to civilisation.

294 pages, Paperback

Published August 8, 2019

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure how to honestly review this book as it would appeal greatly to a fell runner which I am not. I am however originally from the Lake District and being a bit older than the author have to agree with a lot he says. Some of the everyday tedium was tedious and I cannot think of anything worse than the camping he did, it saddened me that someone who loved nature and the area as much as did struggled to find suitable work and accommodation.

[James Male · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was a wonderful adventure. Following on I read Steve's other two books, The Purple House & Black Sail which I also recommend to anyone interested in the lake district. It is uncommon to find a book like this. I really value this work. Steve's analysis of the world around him resonates me. It is worth a read, he will make you think.

[Dave E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the book I thought it would be. Lots of lovely detail about a summer surviving in the broadest sense amongst the tourist hot spot of the Lake District. But also deeply philosophical about the reality of life in a society that revolves around earning and spending.

[Jonathan Perks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Fell running, the Lakes, wild camping; not so much escapism but trying to live a life more authentic than corporate wage slave. It’s probably an aspiration of many who feel that the world doesn’t fit them. Gone Feral is an autobiography worth reading.

[Holly Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very honest and brutal at times on his outlook on life, which I have to say was eye-opening and relatable. If you enjoy the hills of the Lake District and even somewhat of a kindred spirit it is worth a read

[John Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly enjoyable and spiritual.

[Steve Chilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freeman camped out for a year in the Lakes and held down a routine job at the same time. He writes well and in great detail about living close to nature and trying not to think of himself as not normal. I particularly enjoyed him recalling his unique long run over the fells.