Leo Houlding extends a welcome on Scafell Pike

A series of signs has appeared in some of the Lake District’s best loved mountain areas.

Leo hangs on to the Honister via ferrata

But these are not messages to warn walkers of the perils of Cumbria’s mountains, but an artwork project aimed at promoting the area as the ‘Adventure Capital of the UK’. Lake District-based climber Leo Houlding took to England’s highest mountain to proclaim a welcome to the district.

Other escapades included Leo dangling from the Honister via ferrata with a warning sign depicting an abseiling climber and falling rocks.

And the Old Man of Coniston gained a reworked road sign saying ‘not just elderly people’ with a symbol of sprightly walkers. High Street, the 828m (2,717ft) route of the former Roman road over the eastern fell that is home to England’s only golden eagle, had a London-style street sign attached to its drystone wall.

Striding Edge: don't look down, advice ignored by the gentleman third from the left

Cumbria Tourism, which came up with the idea for the signs, said: “They have been specially created with the aim of making people think about all the adventure experiences they can have during a visit to Cumbria.

“The signs show passing paragliders, bunny-hopping mountain-bikers, drifting hot-air balloons, a climber taking on a rock fall – as well as wild horse-riders and kayakers.”

The notices, a collaboration between Cumbria Tourism and Kirkby Stephen-based artist Steve Messam, include one for Striding Edge saying ‘Don’t look down – thrill’.

Coniston's Old Man: old age doesn't have to mean decrepitude

Leo, 29, who was called in to help put the signs in place, said: “All of us obey road signs on a daily basis and these signs of adventure are about reminding people what they can do in the Lake District’s higher, wilder places.

“We want to encourage people to come to the Adventure Capital of the UK and embrace our landscape because it’s good for mind, body and spirit. These signs are about reminding people what they can do in places like this instead of what they can’t.”

Leo’s exploits include the ascent of Everest, the Old Man of Hoy sea stack in Orkney, the Angel of the North and the 1,000m El Nino.