A number of years ago I was exploring the empty wilderness of the Pennine moors walking through heather, skipping over boggy puddles and clambering ovA number of years ago I was exploring the empty wilderness of the Pennine moors walking through heather, skipping over boggy puddles and clambering over the huge rocks that are scattered over the moors. I was dumbstruck when I came across a poem carved into a rockface. Who on earth would devote so much time to chiselling out a poem in the middle of nowhere? Later on I commented on my surprisingly discovery to a family member, who told me that what I had seen was one of the six Stanza Stones that dot the watershed of the South Pennines. He then told me about this book.
Today I did another walk on the moors and came across two more Stanza Stones. But these weren’t surprise discoveries. In my rucksack I had this slim hardback lavishly filled with colour photos with text commentary from poet Simon Armitage, landscape architect Tom Lonsdale & lettercarver Pip Hall. It was fascinating to read how these rock hewn poems were made and to see them in-situ.
To me, there’s something magical about encountering a solid 3D poem outdoors as opposed to the 2D ink poem read indoors. On paper, I easily remove the poem by turning the page. On rock, the poem doesn’t move - I do. And that physical movement reflects my internal movement of thought and feeling provoked by the poem....more
I love maps. There’s something magical about reading a map and being able to convert the handheld 2D print into a massive 3D landscape in my mind’s eyI love maps. There’s something magical about reading a map and being able to convert the handheld 2D print into a massive 3D landscape in my mind’s eye, like a camera drone flying across the landscape. I can spend ages tracing the contours and paths, imagining what that area looks like, or remembering what it looks like if I’ve been there. As a keen walker, I always have an OS map with me. But an OS map isn’t just a navigational aid, it will also trigger memories of past walks.
Old OS maps are time machines. I look at an old map and I go back in time. Housing estates and modern landmarks vanish and I’m left with the historic buildings and ancient roads.
So of course I was fascinated by this book explaining the origins of Ordnance Survey maps. I thought The author did a great job in highlighting the jumble of scientific, military, political & philosophical motivations behind the creation of OS maps. Rachel Hewitt really brought to life the key personalities. And learning how the early cartographers actually measured the landscape was interesting to me, including the heroic efforts to get an accurate baseline....more
Wainwright introduced his book by saying “this book is not intended as a step-by-step guide to the Pennine Way, but rather as a souvenir for those whoWainwright introduced his book by saying “this book is not intended as a step-by-step guide to the Pennine Way, but rather as a souvenir for those who have completed the walk and a refresher of memories”.
As someone who has walked the Pennine Way twice, this book does exactly that. The abundance of colour photos, Wainwright’s ink sketches and narrative, sparked the synapses of my ageing brain into recalling the sights, sounds, smells and physical exertion of my own perambulations along the Pennine Way.
Wainwright is an opinionated curmudgeon with a dry sense of humour. I enjoyed reading his tales and he is very knowledgeable. I finished his book with a longing to put on a heavy rucksack on my shoulders again and retrace my steps along this magical footpath. A must-read for everyone who has walked the Pennine Way....more
I’m very impressed with the Knife Edge Outdoor Guidebooks. This will be the book I take with me when I walk the South Downs Way in a few weeks time. II’m very impressed with the Knife Edge Outdoor Guidebooks. This will be the book I take with me when I walk the South Downs Way in a few weeks time. It contains the OS 1:25,000 maps so saves me from carrying paper maps.
The layout takes some getting used to, especially the text narrative of the actual walk which describes doing the walk in both directions and is not always on the same page as the OS map. Make sure you read the correct version for your direction! But once you get used to the way information is presented, you realise how concisely it is done. It succinctly contains all the key information that I need, and I can google the more detailed information I need for individual campsites, B&Bs, pubs, etc.
The guidebook is 100% colour with many scenic photos in glorious sunshine. I doubt that I’ll be walking in such sunny weather ...more
Whenever I decide to do a long distance footpath, the Trailblazer book is always the first one I buy to help me plan my trip. They are always filled wWhenever I decide to do a long distance footpath, the Trailblazer book is always the first one I buy to help me plan my trip. They are always filled with the information I need such as where the shops, cafes, pubs, B&Bs, campsites, ATMs, etc. are along the route. Landmarks, key attractions and snippets of local history are given. There are maps and elevation profiles. The maps are hand drawn and compliment the OS maps (not included in Trailblazer books) wonderfully.
On finishing a Trailblazer book, I normally have a solid initial walking plan in place with a daily itinerary pencilled in. And that’s exactly what I have now as I write this review.
The next book I will read is from the Knife Edge Outdoor Guidebook series. These books compliment the Trailblazer series. By the time I finish the Knife Edge book, I will have my Plans A, B & Cs in place for walking the South Downs Way....more
I’ve read five guidebooks for the West Highland Way and this will be the one that I carry in my backpack next month. Why?
Firstly it contains the OS 1:I’ve read five guidebooks for the West Highland Way and this will be the one that I carry in my backpack next month. Why?
Firstly it contains the OS 1:25,000 maps which are annotated with lots of additional information.
Secondly it has a comprehensive list of accommodation & campsites, with websites and phone numbers, and marks their locations on the OS maps. In addition, it says where to find shops, cash machines, places to eat and transport links.
Thirdly it makes it extremely easy to plot your own itinerary by breaking the WHW into 23 mini stages; each mini stage ends where accommodation is available. Distances, elevation & estimated walking times are given for each stage.
Fourthly it is the most up to date, being published in 2022.
Fifthly it is printed in full colour throughout with many photos showing the beauty of the WHW. The book is beautifully designed and laid out.
Until I read this guide by Knife Edge Outdoor, I was going to take the Trailblazer West Highland Way which is also very comprehensive guidebook. The Trailblazer book contains more information. There’s a bit more written on each accommodation and food place, shop opening times are added and I like the hand drawn maps that point out key navigational route markers that aren’t shown on the OS maps. It also includes information on Glasgow. But it is an older pre-Covid edition (2016).
Comparing Trailblazer with Knife Edge, the Knife Edge book has less information, but it nevertheless it appears to contain all the practical information I need to know. And hopefully there will be enough places along the route where I get a 3G/4G/wi-fi signal, and so get any additional information from Google Maps and accommodation websites listed inside....more
I’ve bought a number of West Highland Way (WHW) books as research preparation for walking it this year. This appears to be the most up-to-date book. II’ve bought a number of West Highland Way (WHW) books as research preparation for walking it this year. This appears to be the most up-to-date book. I bought it as it comes with booklet containing the OS 1:25,000 map of the route - much better than the 1:50,000 booklet that comes with the The West Highland Way: The Official Guide written by Bob Aitken.
The first part of this pocket sized book gives an overview and practical advice. Then Terry Marsh describes walking the WHW both northwards & southwards. He points out landmarks and places where you can stop for the night. There are also some colour photographs. At the back is an index of addresses and web pages so the reader can search for and book accommodation for themselves.
The Trailblazer book West Highland Way gives a more comprehensive list of accommodation and facilities such as shops & places to eat. Plus it includes a bit about Glasgow. But I’m aware that Covid will have caused changes to what is available so any printed guide is likely to contain out of date information.
Both the Trailblazer & Cicerone books I have are 2016 editions. But the Cicerone book I have has been reprinted in 2021 with updates, unlike my Trailblazer book....more
I love reading maps and so this was a great gift from a work colleague. There are 40 maps of different scales and each one had a series of questions mI love reading maps and so this was a great gift from a work colleague. There are 40 maps of different scales and each one had a series of questions making you search the map for the answers. The questions go from easy to fiendish. A brief history of the map area is given which I found informative. I enjoyed this puzzle book, but got a bit fed up searching for some of the difficult answers and gave up....more
A beautiful coffee table book filled with drop dead gorgeous photos of the Lake District. If you love the beauty of the Cumbrian lakes and surroundingA beautiful coffee table book filled with drop dead gorgeous photos of the Lake District. If you love the beauty of the Cumbrian lakes and surrounding fells, then you will drool over this book.
This book also contains the inspiring life story of a man who followed his dream and gambled everything on making a feature length film of Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain.
It describes, with some dry humour, the sheer effort required and hardships endured to make his dream a reality. The constant travelling from his home in the Midlands to the mountain. The countless hours walking up and down the surrounding hills endless times carrying a shoulder breaking 75kg rucksack bulging with camping and filming equipment. The lack of sleep as he stays up late to record sunsets and star filled night skies along with getting up before dawn to film sunrises. Worrying about how to find the money to continue when the initial funding ran out. Along with the soul nourishing experiences of being immersed in nature.
I actually spent a couple of days with Terry while he was making this film. We camped on Yewbarrow as he filmed the Scafell massif. At that point in time, we did not know how successful his film was going to be. So I was so pleased for him when it became a smash hit.
The book goes on to describe his experiences making two more “Life of a Mountain” films. The second was on Blencathra and the trilogy’s finale features Helvellyn (which has yet to be seen in full - delayed by coronavirus or “bat flu” as Terry likes to call it!).
In the book Terry describes how he overcame a serious bike accident that happened between the second and third film which affected his memory and left him struggling with depression. And it is his passion for being on the mountains that helped him, where he experiences the recovery powers of being in nature.
The coronavirus pandemic has blocked me from my regular trips to the Lakes. I desperately miss climbing the mountains that Terry has walked over so many times. But this book gives me the next best thing. Awesome photos that remind me of my past visits, and gives me inspiration for future visits to one of this country’s, if not the planet’s, most beautiful areas.
This is a very wide ranging book covering topics like comparing different bivvy bag materials, advice on what to carry or leave at home, food tips, soThis is a very wide ranging book covering topics like comparing different bivvy bag materials, advice on what to carry or leave at home, food tips, some specific routes around the UK the author walked and historical references to people that bivouacked in the past.
His honest answer to the question “What if it rains?” is “You get wet!”.
I did a few nights in a bivvy bag a couple of years ago for the first time, and when this lockdown is over, I intend to apply the advice in this book to do loads more nights. I prefer a bivvy bag to a tent (except when it is raining!)...more
Whenever I plan a long distance walk, I always turn to the Trailblazer series first. They are jam packed with all the useful practical information I nWhenever I plan a long distance walk, I always turn to the Trailblazer series first. They are jam packed with all the useful practical information I need to plan the expedition. This book doesn’t disappoint. I like the hand drawn maps pointing out landmarks as well - I look at them simultaneously with my Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps and together they give me a comprehensive picture of the route.
I can’t wait to get on the Coast-to-Coast trail. But with this COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, the date of my trip is yet to be decided......more
I’m new to riding motorbikes and this is a very helpful book for telling me the skills and knowledge I need to be a good rider, thus be much less likeI’m new to riding motorbikes and this is a very helpful book for telling me the skills and knowledge I need to be a good rider, thus be much less likely to be killed or seriously injured. I feel vulnerable on my motorbike compared to being inside the steel cage of my car.
‘How to be a Better Rider’ (HTBABR) contains lots of pictures and photos accompanied by clear text explanations. The book doesn’t require me to have much prior knowledge. Motorbikes are very different to cars and a more comprehensive knowledge of how they react to the forces of braking, accelerating and turning is required compared to cars. Some of this knowledge is not obvious, such as counter-steering - where I have to turn the handlebars in the opposite direction to where I want to go.
HTBABR is packed with wise advice on how I can improve my observation and anticipation, telling me what to look for, such as gaps in painted chevrons indicating a side road hidden by queuing traffic.
I recommend reading both HTBABR and The Police Foundation’s ‘Motorcycle Roadcraft’ book. If you only want to read one, then I would choose ‘Motorcycle Roadcraft’ as it is a larger book containing more information and was written more recently....more
A really informative read. Also it is structured to encourage you to apply the knowledge gained to the actual riding of your motorbike. I changed a nuA really informative read. Also it is structured to encourage you to apply the knowledge gained to the actual riding of your motorbike. I changed a number of things in how I ride as a direct result of reading this book. And I am better forewarned about the hazards I face. I recommend this book for everyone who wants to ride a motorbike
4/Mar/20: Re-read this book as preparation for my Mod 2 test today. I’m sure it helped me pass along with the on the road instruction and practice I did....more
I started riding a motorcycle for the first time ever this month. Been driving cars for over 30 years, but it wasn’t easy transferring over to a motorI started riding a motorcycle for the first time ever this month. Been driving cars for over 30 years, but it wasn’t easy transferring over to a motorbike. I found this to be a useful book as it covers all the key stuff you need to know. Not necessarily in great detail, but enough to make me aware of what I need to know. For example, I realised while reading this that I hadn’t a clue on how to do a proper maintenance check on my new motorbike. Some bits in book are stating the bleeding obvious, but I liked the fact that it doesn’t assume that you have prior knowledge....more
This was an enjoyable read for a number of reasons.
Firstly, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is one of my all-time favourite books. Very few This was an enjoyable read for a number of reasons.
Firstly, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is one of my all-time favourite books. Very few people I know share my enthusiasm for Robert Pirsig’s philosophical book so it’s nice to spend time riding pillion with somebody who shares my enthusiasm for the book.
Secondly, I started riding a motorbike for the first time in my life last month. Now all the bits about engines, clutches, checking oil levels and different road conditions roar into life for me.
Thirdly, for decades now I’ve wanted fly to the United States for a vacation and ride along the route taken by the Pirsigs. But as the years circle by like a mileometer (or odometer) I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to find the money or the time to do this dream trip. This book gives me the next best version. It was great to be able to trace the route more accurately using the place names and road numbers provided in this book.
Fourthly, there’s lots of biographical details about Robert Pirsig, his family and friends. Some details I already knew from the 25th Anniversary edition, but plenty I didn’t know.
As somebody who has bagged all 214 Wainwrights, this was a delightful book to read while exiled from my beloved Lake District by the COVID-19 lockdownAs somebody who has bagged all 214 Wainwrights, this was a delightful book to read while exiled from my beloved Lake District by the COVID-19 lockdown.
This isn’t a technical guidebook detailing how to climb all 214 Wainwrights. Rather, Chris Stanbury aims to evoke what it feels like to fall in love with the fells of Cumbria. The book is thematic rather than chronological and the author explores the many varied pleasures to be experienced from bagging the Wainwrights. My own life is sooooooo much richer from my repeated visits to the Lake District, and this same appreciation drips from every page of this book.
I found Chris Stanbury to a be kindred spirit, and it was a joy to read the recounting of his Lakeland memories spread over 20 years. As he narrates his journeys over the fells, I was often transported into my own memories walking on those same mountains. So many of his thoughts and opinions I found I shared so I began to see the author a friend who I have not yet met. It was an absolute pleasure to spend time in his company, albeit only via the pages of this book.
If you have never walked in the Lake District, you’ll probably won’t get this book. It’s full of names that you’ll struggle to find on a map. But if you are someone who has a working geographical knowledge of this beautiful part of the world and have been smitten by the high places, then I think you’ll relish this book....more
I liked the start of this long essay when Thoreau described the joy to be found in walking in nature (or Nature as he writes), but then he rambles offI liked the start of this long essay when Thoreau described the joy to be found in walking in nature (or Nature as he writes), but then he rambles off and starts spouting forth all sorts of thoughts, like a pub bore, many that I found tedious. A more accurate title would be “Random thoughts on Wildness vs. Man-made”....more
This is the third book I’ve read as preparation for walking the West Highland Way (WHW).
There is a lot of historical, geographical and geological infoThis is the third book I’ve read as preparation for walking the West Highland Way (WHW).
There is a lot of historical, geographical and geological information in this book. The book points out the various geological changes as the WHW progresses northward as well throwing in historical information of key landmarks and quoting famous writers and poets inspired by the surrounding landscape. There is a little bit of practical information such as where shops, ATMs and accommodation can be found, but not as comprehensive as the Trailblazer book. Rather it gives details of some websites that you can go to for more information which are more likely to contain up-to-date information.
Also included is an OS strip map of the route, but it is at the 1:50,000 scale rather than the more detailed (& thus more useful) 1:25,000 scale.
Personally speaking, I’m not interested in geology so all the talk about glaciers and granite and whatnot made my eyes glaze over. The historical snippets were more interesting, such as the history of the various clans. The writer(s) would often refer to landmarks and places not covered by the enclosed strip map, so I’d have to refer to separate maps.
The range of information offered by this official guide to the WHW is impressive. It has enriched my knowledge of the WHW which was more focussed on distances between places and where accommodation, shops and campsites can be found.
But this won’t be the book I’ll carry with me on the WHW. That honour goes to the Trailblazer book with its more extensive practical information on the accommodation, shops, transport, etc. I cannot rely on getting access to information via the internet when walking the WHW.
However I do recommend that anybody who is planning to walk the WHW, or even has completed the WHW in the past, to read this book for its extensive background information and select photographs, as it will enrich your enjoyment of the walk....more
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