This is a terrific new book by Roly Smith, one of our finest outdoor journalists and authors, a great champion of Right to Roam, celebrant of the anniversaries of the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass – I could go on…

In her introduction to the book, Dame Fiona Reynolds compares Roly to the great W.G. Hoskins as an interpreter of the landscape, and she’s not wrong. All of Roly’s books are worth seeking out, but this one is a delight – as he takes you on fifty walks into the heart of our countryside, seeking out mysterious sites, places of wonder and history, quiet corners where old legends live on…

As the title implies, the walks are short – between two and eight miles – but full of quality. Just the kind of walk you’ll love – and how atmospheric it would be to try some of them in what will be, hopefully, the dry summer evenings to come.

The photographs in this sumptuously illustrated book make your mouth water with a longing to get out there and follow in Roly’s footsteps. And what a lot to see – ancient woodlands, places where battles were fought and kings came a cropper, in the steps of poets and writers, a city that the sea swallowed, sites where Arthur and his knights adventured, those wild and lonely places where you can sometimes find yourself astonished that you are still on this small and crowded group of islands.

All given with meticulous walking directions, suitable for both the beginner and the more experienced rambler. These fifty walks will take you into a wonderful world where history and legend seem not so far away…

Fifty great adventures to be had – guided by the pen of a writer who really does know the lie of the land….

Thoroughly recommended!

Published by Bloomsbury.



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https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/short-walks-to-curious-places-9781844866373/

6 thoughts on “Short Walks to Curious Places by Roly Smith”

  3. Roy Smith is a respected veteran campaigner and accomplished author. I have several books on the Peak District by him and of course Walking Class Heroes.
    No doubt his writing is incisive in this latest offering but I feel the subjects are too widespread for my days of avoiding unnecessary travel. We all change as we get older and wiser. Does he include public transport options for each walk?
    This is not necessarily a critique of his book, I’ve not even seen it, but more a reaction to ‘coffee table’ styled publications.
    Thanks for reviewing it and I’m sure, judging from his skill and reputation, it will sell very well.
    Call me a miserable old sod if you like.

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    1. Reasonable enough and yes he does suggest transport. I think he was trying to list places where some at least are in reach of everyone.

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      1. Fair enough. Twenty or so years ago and I would have been rushing out to visit these places.

        I think the instagram/youtube brigade have helped to trash some areas. Not that Roly’s writing can be compared to them. (sorry about the ‘Roy’ misprint in my last comment)
        Maybe even my own modest outings are attracting the wrong people to places they knew nothing of and wouldn’t respect. I doubt it as I don’t have thousands of followers. It is a thin line writing about areas one treasures and overexposing them. Hope you keep some of your Cumbrian areas secret.
        Regards.

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      2. We do. The sheer cost of travel and accommodation is preventing us from going to many places we would love to visit – our book sales have declined, which is not surprising with people struggling to buy food and pay the bills. And, of course, while only 8% of the English countryside is accessible on foot then people are crammed into the favoured areas.

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