The Hewittsons are a farming family who live in the Cumbrian fells. Every holiday a London family, The Batemans, come up to the fells and rent a house from the Hewittsons. Harry Bateman, the youngest son falls in with Bell Hewittson, the farmer's son, and together they adventure in the Cumberland hills. The stories told here take place over a period of 20 years as the boys grow up.