This book I hope will appeal to a wide variety of readers.
To begin with, it might bring encouragement to those individuals affected in some way by prostate cancer or other forms of the disease, that there can be a good life after treatment.
For those wishing to take up walking seriously, a section at the back of the book is aimed at achieving fitness through a walking activity programme entitled ‘Step-by-Step’; a formula based on my own walking experiences. It may also provide inspiration to the many senior citizens among us who would like to improve their fitness levels and, in consequence, their lifestyles.
When walking long distance, thoughts slide surreptitiously into the conscious mind, some to be mulled over while others come and go in rapid succession. Occasionally a random thought will find its way into a day’s diary entry. Memories of the distant past emerge; events and days long forgotten; the war years, a father killed, a mother’s grief, evacuation, impoverished times; a parallel journey that becomes sporadically interwoven within the diary pages.
The book will enlighten many on the geographical aspects of England; for instance I didn’t know that there was a town in England called Boston; I was unsure where places like Lowestoft, Maryport or Chelmsford were located on the map; I’d never heard of places with intriguing names like Garstang or Seahouses and I used to think that Skegness was in Scotland!
Those of you interested in history will gather significant information in the ‘Notes of Interest’ sections about the town or area where we stop after each day’s walk.
So why not accompany me through some of the most beautiful parts of England.
You’ll become aware of the remoteness of the northern Pennines and reflect upon the dramatic and rugged coastlines of Northumberland and those breath-taking coastal stretches seen from the south/west coast path, where you might also ponder over the geological wonders of the Jurassic coast.
Follow me along sealed pathways that were once the route of steam trains from days gone by; routes that will take you through parts of the Tarka trail, the lovely Wirral Way or through Yorkshire’s scenic countryside and spectacular coastal region.
We’ll follow dykes made by a self-imposed king of the sixth century and discover places like the charismatic Welsh border village of Tintern and the evocative and dramatic ruins of Tintern Abbey in the River Wye valley. While turning the pages you might visualise the grandeur of the Lake District or imagine the tranquillity of walking along a towpath on a Lancashire canal…and maybe glimpse a scene or two from yesteryear!
So wander with me around this land and I’ll lead you along delightful coastal paths and through charming villages but also through unsightly industrial regions and uninspiring urban areas. We’ll walk through verdant, canopied byways and leafy, overgrown bridle tracks; paths unfrequented and places that busy lives have long forgotten.
Discover an England that many have never seen.
