There are fifteen books in Vertebrate Publishing’s series of ‘20 Day Walks in …’ covering different regions of England and Wales (there are others which cover Scotland.) For this latest addition to the series the publisher asked each of the ‘Day Walks’ authors to choose their favourite walk from their individual guides and this resulting compilation provides a delightful collection of ‘classic’ walks.
Section 1 features ten walks in Northern England, Section 2 includes six in Southern England and Section 3 covers four in Wales. Nineteen of the walks are circular but the linear walk in East Anglia includes details of a bus service which will take walkers back to the starting point. Each walk is accompanied by a facsimile of an OS map, has excellent step-by-step directions, details of distance covered, total elevation, an indication of how easy/challenging it is and how long should be allowed to complete the route. Also included are details of where to park, the relevant OS map, the satnav reference, where refreshments can be found, notes which give some interesting information about the area and, last but not least, some beautiful photographs. There is also more general information in the book about safety precautions, how to seek help in case of an emergency, details of the Countryside Code and useful websites for checking weather forecasts and for more detailed information about the various regions included in the guide.
As I’ve walked (some several times!) eight of the routes in Section 1, three in Section 2 and all in Section 3, reading this guide has been hugely enjoyable because, with its clear step by step directions and wonderful photographs, each of those walks (even those last done several years ago) has been brought vividly back to life for me – and those I haven’t yet done are now firmly on my walking ‘radar’ so this is definitely a book I’ll be keeping in the car … just in case!
I unreservedly recommend this book to anyone who loves walking, or who’s looking for inspiration for a gift to give to someone who does … I’m confident any recipient will be delighted!
With many thanks to Vertebrate Publishing for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. ( )