University of Cumbria celebrates trailblazing graduate Jade Cookson

Jade Cookson, author and travel designer with Encounter Walking Holidays, has been awarded a prestigious Alumnus of the Year prize by the University of Cumbria.  

Jade was nominated by two university staff members including her tutor, MA in Literature, Romanticism and the English Lake District Programme Leader Dr Penny Bradshaw. 

The award was presented during a graduation ceremony this week at Carlisle Cathedral. It recognises her extraordinary achievement so early in her career as well as the community involvement in the establishment of the Wordsworth Way in collaboration with the Friends of the Ullswater Way, Wordsworth Grasmere, Lake District National Park Authority, Cumbria Tourism, and local councils.     

The Alumnus of the Year award recognises the vital and substantial contribution University of Cumbria graduates make in their communities. Award recipients have made amazing impacts in their field, and they support and act as advocates for the university’s activities.  

Born in Preston, now settled in Cumbria, Jade grew up into a family of long-established fruit and vegetable wholesalers. She graduated in 2015 from an undergraduate degree in English from Liverpool John Moores University. Following university Jade worked in customer service roles and trained as a swimming instructor, teaching children and young adults. With a life-long passion for literature, and the Cumbrian fells, she enrolled on the University of Cumbria MA in Literature, Romanticism and the English Lake District programme in 2023, graduating in 2024 from the course based in Ambleside.  

A passionate fell walker, Jade describes herself as a ‘curious traveller’, contemplating each step she takes into the landscape and thinking of those who have gone before, and the creativity woven into the paths. 

During a module in her MA Jade was offered the chance to work with the Friends of the Ullswater Way on their new Wordsworth Way trail, a 14-mile route, split into four sections celebrating the life and work of one of Britain’s most loved poets, William Wordsworth. With many hours of hard work, collaboration and walking the trails the way was officially opened on 7 April 2025, coinciding with Wordsworth's 255th birthday. Less than a year after graduating Jade was a published author with the launch of the walking guide covered by international press. 

When asked how it feels to have been awarded alumnus of year, Jade replied: “I was quite shocked when I got the email to say you have been awarded alumnus of the year, I thought it had gone to the wrong person! It is lovely to be here.”  

When asked for a highlight of her during her time at University of Cumbria was, Jade said: “For me it was studying literature in the place that it was written, I think the master's degree, Literature, Romanticism and The English Lake District, is really special and a really unique course because you do get to study poetry in the place it was written. 

“I’d love to thank Penny and Paul, the tutors on the course, the support was invaluable and I learnt so much. I really loved my time at the University of Cumbria.” 

Jade’s guidebook inspires visitors to engage deeply with the landscape, encouraging thoughtful travel that benefits local communities along the route. Her work links place, poetry, and people. Acknowledging this profound impact, the Friends of the Ullswater Way invited Jade to join them as a trustee, ensuring her passion and unique insight continue to drive community-led projects across Cumbria. 

Dr Penny Bradshaw, Associate Professor of English Literature, University of Cumbria said: "Jade’s award is a fantastic achievement and truly deserved. She has taken the knowledge and skills gained on her MA and used these to produce a guidebook which celebrates the Lake District’s literary heritage while bringing real benefits to local communities. We are incredibly proud of all she has achieved and delighted to see her recognised as Alumnus of the Year."

The University of Cumbria Alumni Association is made up of over 85,000 graduates spanning the past 19 years of the University of Cumbria as well as its legacy institutions, Cumbria Institute of the Arts, St Martin’s College and Charlotte Mason College. The Alumni Association grows in number each year and is made up of graduates worldwide. The aim is to keep graduates in touch with Cumbria and each other.