Overview

Walking defines us as human beings. But how much do we know about the paths that we walk? Why do they matter? What caused so many to be lost? And can we create more of them? In The Path More Travelled, acclaimed geographer and travel writer Nicholas Crane explores the hidden history of Britain's coast-to-coast web, from prehistoric routeways walked by European migrants 12,000 years ago to pilgrim ways and coffin roads, turnpikes, towpaths and city pavements. We discover how land-grabbing Norman barons began the enclosure of our countryside, and how our beloved national parks and long-distance trails emerged from the ashes of two world wars. Along the way, Crane takes the reader on some of his most memorable walks: along the Hadrian's Wall Path, into the icy Cairngorms and to the banks of the Severn where he discovers footprints from over 7,000 years ago. The Path More Travelled is a passionate ode to walking - and a call to rediscover and protect the lifeblood of our landscapes.

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9781399605816

Table of Contents

Reviews

In-depth research, rich detail, fresh revelations and great storytelling . . . All the characteristics of Nicholas Crane's work are combined in this absorbing and exhilarating look at the wonderful world of Britain's pathways. This book will literally expand your horizons -- MICHAEL PALIN A glorious love letter to the British countryside, and its towns and cities too - a panoptic, deeply researched and compelling history of our nation told via its paths, tracks and old ways. It is also a wise and generous plea for us to cherish and expand our 'enchanted maze' -- PATRICK BARKHAM A delightful meander through the lanes and byways of Britain as they've been trodden through the centuries. In the knowledgeable company of Nicholas Crane, you can feel the autumn mist and summer sun as you trample leaves or gaze out to the coast from one of our island's many paths. Highly recommended -- CATHERINE FLETCHER * author of The Roads to Rome: A Journey into Europe’s Past * This a wonderful exploration of the pathways that have stretched across Britain over 11 thousand years. It weaves a fascinating web connecting us to the past beneath our feet and to what we have lost through fences, enclosures and development. Evocative, beautifully written and witty, it is also a passionate statement on the human freedom to roam' -- VANESSA TAYLOR * author of Seven Rivers * I feel I understand now, as never before, what it was like to wander through the trackless Mesolithic forest, follow Neolithic boardwalks across the marshes, visit Stonehenge in the company of the Amesbury Archer and spin around corners in an Iron Age chariot. Wonderfully immersive and full of fascinating detail about the dangers and delights of footpaths through time -- Fiona Robertson * author of Stone Lands *

In-depth research, rich detail, fresh revelations and great storytelling . . . All the characteristics of Nicholas Crane's work are combined in this absorbing and exhilarating look at the wonderful world of Britain's pathways. This book will literally expand your horizons -- MICHAEL PALIN

In-depth research, rich detail, fresh revelations and great storytelling . . . All the characteristics of Nicholas Crane's work are combined in this absorbing and exhilarating look at the wonderful world of Britain's pathways. This book will literally expand your horizons -- MICHAEL PALIN A glorious love letter to the British countryside, and its towns and cities too - a panoptic, deeply researched and compelling history of our nation told via its paths, tracks and old ways. It is also a wise and generous plea for us to cherish and expand our 'enchanted maze' -- PATRICK BARKHAM A delightful meander through the lanes and byways of Britain as they've been trodden through the centuries. In the knowledgeable company of Nicholas Crane, you can feel the autumn mist and summer sun as you trample leaves or gaze out to the coast from one of our island's many paths. Highly recommended -- CATHERINE FLETCHER * author of The Roads to Rome: A Journey into Europe’s Past * This a wonderful exploration of the pathways that have stretched across Britain over 11 thousand years. It weaves a fascinating web connecting us to the past beneath our feet and to what we have lost through fences, enclosures and development. Evocative, beautifully written and witty, it is also a passionate statement on the human freedom to roam' -- VANESSA TAYLOR * author of Seven Rivers *

Author Information

Nicholas Crane is an author, geographer and the recipient of numerous awards, most recently the 2024 Stanfords Award for Outstanding Contribution to Travel Writing. Crane was born in seaside Hastings, grew up in rural Norfolk and learned winter mountaineering in snowy Scotland. Between 2015 and 2018, he was president of the Royal Geographical Society. He is also known for his television work as lead presenter on the BAFTA-winning series Coast, among several others. He has written more than ten books, including The Making of the British Landscape.

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