Beyond Radio presenter’s ‘beer guide with a twist’ nominated for Lakeland Book of the Year prize

A book published by a Beyond Radio presenter has been nominated for the prestigious Lakeland Book of the Year.

Last year Beth Pipe and her husband Steve released 'Brewers Loop' which they describe as a "loopy tour of Lake District breweries".

The work has now been nominated for the award, with the winner announced at a ceremony at The Castle Green Hotel in July.

Beth and Steve wrote the book about their escapades while hauling an ale cask 138 miles around Cumbria - walking, swimming and cycling with it, as well as getting it to the top of Helvellyn!

The Pipes battled weather and all terrains, roped in volunteers, and survived marital disputes to accompany the wheeled, itinerant, fundraising barrel on its unique Lake District tour.

Beth, who presents the Saturday afternoon show on Beyond Radio, said: ‘’We're in there with some big names & the competition is tough but did any of the others haul a beer cask to the top of Helvellyn? No. They did not!

‘’Many of the books we're up against are serious, accademic, and/or soul searching so thank you to the judges for putting our bonkers adventure in the mix.

‘’Being funny is a serious business but it's a miserable world where a laugh, and a beer, can help a lot so it's nice to think we've brightened someone's day a little.’’

"Never has a beer cask climbed so many mountains, canoed across lakes, forded rivers, trundled over bridges, and staggered over stiles.

"All this in search of the Lake District’s greatest local brews, while raising funds for our incredible Mountain Rescue volunteers."

And of course, Beth and Steve also had to sample the wares at each stop along the way, forcing themselves to enjoy the very best ales from this stunning part of the UK!

"So, you've got a local beer guide and some lovely walks, all wrapped up in a hilarious story of a mad escapade – superb value for money," said Beth.

"Brewers Loop makes a great gift for anyone with a sense of humour who likes to read, supports locally made produce, and loves being in the glorious Lakes – that's everyone, then! And we reckon it is the solution to the perennial problem of what to buy dad/grandad/husband/ uncle/brother/son, too.’’

The Lakeland Book of the Year celebrates top quality writing inspired by the Lake District, Cumbria. Over the past four decades, this prestigious annual competition has seen authors create an incredible catalogue of books covering a range of rich and varied subjects, from landscape and tradition to literature and poetry.

Founded in 1984 by prolific author, journalist and broadcaster Hunter Davies OBE, all entries for Lakeland Book of the Year must be set in – or feature – Cumbria in some way.

The award is supported by Cumbria Tourism.