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Hima Jour V1:Sci Tra 1790-1877
by David KnightFirst published in 2003. Sir Joseph Hooker (1817-1911) was one of the greatest British botanists and explorers of the nineteenth century. He succeeded his father as Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and was a close friend and supporter of Charles Darwin. His journey to the Himalayas and India was undertaken between 1847 and 1851 to collect plants for Kew, and his account, published in 1854, was dedicated to Darwin. Hooker collected some 7,000 species in India and Nepal, and carried out surveys and made maps which proved of economic and military importance to the British. He makes many observations about the inhabitants of the areas he visited, making this volume a useful resource for anyone interested in nineteenth-century India.
Hillstation: A charming story of true love, sacrifice…and luck
by Robin MukherjeeDreaming of escape from his remote village in the Himalayan foothills, Rabindra entreats the gods to send him an English bride. When a saucy English dance troupe arrives on the run from a Bombay crime boss, Rabindra believes that his prayers have been answered. Except that they have no interest in marrying anyone. As the village begins to unravel in the presence of these scandalous foreigners, surprising secrets emerge from the depths of its past.A story of true love, sacrifice, causality... and luck. In some ways it is a love-poem to a glorious, intriguing and sometimes frustrating culture still alive in the far corners of a great continent, but slowly fading to the onslaught of the technological age.------------------'Smart, funny, thought-provoking, entertaining — a delightful treat that kept me chuckling and made me sorry to see it end' - Bella Reads And Reviews Books'Slowly charms its way into your heart and leaves you with a smile on your face!' - The Book Reviewers'Hillstation is well written, and Mukherjee's local characters are cleverly shaped around traditional ideals and Indian culture' - Culturefly
The Hills Of Adonis: A Journey In Lebanon
by Colin ThubronFor four months and five hundred miles Colin Thubron walked the mountains of Lebanon, following tracks and rivers. His journey was not only a survey of a remarkable country, but a quest for the gods and divinities who held the secrets of death and rebirth in the land's ancient cults.He visited almost every place of cultural importance, and lived with the people along his way, recording a country of outstanding natural scenery, rich with a unique medley of races and religions.The Hills of Adonis is both a travel book and a personal journal; for the quest is the search for meaning, a reflection on faith and reason and a poem on the joy and complexity of living.
The Hill of Kronos
by Peter LeviPeter Levi paints a radiant portrait of the Greece he came to know through a lifetime of exploration. As a young scholar he sought out its ancient spirit, the keys to its mythology and civilisation, in its ruined cities and majestic mountains. Later, as a priest working as a diplomat and a friend of the oppressed, he lived in Athens through the dark days of the dictatorship. The sinews of political life led back to secret alliances made during the civil war and the earlier occupation of Greece, back to murder, starvation and corpse-filled quarries. Lastly, he sees the country through the mature eyes of a family man, with the ripened sensibility of an acclaimed poet. This is a precious fusion of experience and insight from one philhellene to all those who have come to love Greece.
Hildasay to Home: How I Found a Family by Walking the UK's Coastline
by Christian LewisWalking saved his life. Now it will help find him a family. In the follow-up to his Sunday Times bestselling Finding Hildasay, Christian Lewis takes his next steps.Since his time on Hildasay, Chris’ adventure has only gotten wilder. No one was more surprised than Chris when, in November 2020, he had an unlikely (seemingly destined) encounter with fellow adventurer Kate. The two turned out to be kindred spirits and – even more astonishingly – Kate made the bold decision to join Chris on the walk of a lifetime. Day in, day out, as they trekked the coastline down from Scotland together, their relationship grew, and soon the couple were thrown in at the deep end when their first child – baby Magnus – arrived.But, away from Scotland, Chris’ struggles with mental health returned. The solitude of Hildasay seemed far away, and he unravelled once again.Through injuries and setbacks, with Jet the dog ageing and baby Magnus growing by the day, the adventurous family of four had to find their feet and come together to complete this epic challenge. They’ve navigated the east coast of Scotland, through Yorkshire and East Anglia, and struggled on to the Jurassic Coast where Chris slowly came back into himself.In Hildasay to Home Chris finally crosses the finish line back in Swansea with almost half a million pounds raised. He reflects beautifully on all that he’s learned and the family he’s found for himself along the way.
Hiking Circuits in Rocky Mountain National Park
by Jack P. Hailman Elizabeth D. HailmanHiking Circuits in Rocky Mountain National Park is the first guide dedicated entirely to the loop trails of Rocky Mountain National Park, trails that return hikers to their starting point without the necessity of retracing steps or walking on roads. Having explored the park extensively for over 30 years, Jack and Elizabeth Hailman describe and map 33 circuits and component loops, with detailed driving instructions to the access points. Circuits range from a 15-minute stroll around a lake to strenuous all-day outings in the high country and even a few multi-day backpacking trips. Side trips are often recommended for viewing a scenic waterfall, summit, lake, or other natural feature. A convenient table lists circuits by walking time, allowing hikers to choose loops designed to fit their schedules. Each account includes a map, directions to the trailhead, trail distance, estimated hiking time, elevation range, exertion rating, segment descriptions for both clockwise and counter-clockwise hikes, and rail notes about the wildflowers, animals, and other natural history features encountered by the authors. Maps show the loop route, short access trails where applicable, routes of optional side trips, trail junctions, point-to-point walking distances, elevations of the trail points, and more. Included are appendices for natural history, local hiking supply stores, and fee schedules, with an extensive bibliography for reading and reference.
Hike Maryland: A Guide to the Scenic Trails of the Free State
by Bryan MacKayMaryland affords a rich variety of natural places for residents and visitors to enjoy, from the Chesapeake shores through expansive Piedmont farmland to the Appalachian Plateau. And whether you;€™re headed to the seashore or the mountains, there are few better ways to experience these landscapes than on foot. With its excellent system of public lands;¢;‚¬;€?including national parks, state parks and forests, and even privately owned tracts open to the public;¢;‚¬;€?Maryland offers ample opportunities for hikers to find easy walks, challenging trails, and outstanding views. In Hike Maryland, Bryan MacKay takes you on twenty-five exceptional trips on the footpaths of the Free State.Drawing on his decades of experience as an avid hiker, lifelong Marylander, and expert naturalist, MacKay has assembled a list of the best hikes in the state. His beautifully illustrated guide tells you how to find the trails, describes the flowers and wildlife you;€™ll see along the way, and shares sensible advice about such concerns as ticks and poisonous snakes. Each individual trail guide includes key information, a map, and background on the natural history and ecology of the park, forest, or preserve, and offers a brief essay featuring a local plant, animal, or environmental issue. Whether you are venturing out on a solo trek on the Appalachian Trail, hiking with friends through Patapsco Valley State Park, or heading to Assateague Island with your family, this book will be an invaluable resource on your journeys.Hike Maryland is a companion guide to Cycle Maryland and Paddle Maryland.
Hike Maryland: A Guide to the Scenic Trails of the Free State
by Bryan MacKayMaryland affords a rich variety of natural places for residents and visitors to enjoy, from the Chesapeake shores through expansive Piedmont farmland to the Appalachian Plateau. And whether you;€™re headed to the seashore or the mountains, there are few better ways to experience these landscapes than on foot. With its excellent system of public lands;¢;‚¬;€?including national parks, state parks and forests, and even privately owned tracts open to the public;¢;‚¬;€?Maryland offers ample opportunities for hikers to find easy walks, challenging trails, and outstanding views. In Hike Maryland, Bryan MacKay takes you on twenty-five exceptional trips on the footpaths of the Free State.Drawing on his decades of experience as an avid hiker, lifelong Marylander, and expert naturalist, MacKay has assembled a list of the best hikes in the state. His beautifully illustrated guide tells you how to find the trails, describes the flowers and wildlife you;€™ll see along the way, and shares sensible advice about such concerns as ticks and poisonous snakes. Each individual trail guide includes key information, a map, and background on the natural history and ecology of the park, forest, or preserve, and offers a brief essay featuring a local plant, animal, or environmental issue. Whether you are venturing out on a solo trek on the Appalachian Trail, hiking with friends through Patapsco Valley State Park, or heading to Assateague Island with your family, this book will be an invaluable resource on your journeys.Hike Maryland is a companion guide to Cycle Maryland and Paddle Maryland.
The Hike
by Don ShawFreddy, Phil and Don are three grumpy old men, travelling at various speeds in the slow lane of retirement, at a loss to understand the mad modern world around them.Their chosen method of escape from all this is a shared weekly hike in the Peak District, come gale, hail, snow or torrential rain. They pass the time bumping into colourful and eccentric locals, but their real passion is bickering among themselves. Not only about the right path to take, but also about where they're all going at the fag end of life. Phil likes to dash up hills trying to beat his personal best, while Freddy plots how to sabotage him - teasing him at leisure and asking deep and difficult questions. Stuck in the middle, Don's only ambition is to stop the squabbling getting out of hand long enough to find a nice pub for lunch.As warm as the wind is cold, as dry as the lashing rain is wet, The Hike is a hilarious tale of bum-warmers, crayfish-fanciers, East German Trabant enthusiasts, bodger philosophers, sticky ginger cake, gorgeous countryside and the subtle art of 'onedownmanship'.
The Highways and Byways of Britain
by David MilnerBetween the end of the nineteenth century and the Second World War Macmillan published a much-loved and extremely successful series of books under the title of 'Highways and Byways'. In them, the authors took readers on a delightful guided tour of the country, county by county, pointing out places of interest, key historical events and local lore and legend. Now, Macmillan is reissuing - in one beautifully designed volume - a selection of those highways and byways, which affords contemporary readers both a charming period piece and a wonderful glimpse of the very best of Britain.
Highway 12
by Christian ProbascoHighway 12 is undoubtedly one of not only America's but the world's most scenic highways. From its intersection on the west with Highway 89 south of Panguitch, Utah, it runs up through Red Canyon onto the Paunsagunt Plateau and across Bryce Canyon National Park. It then drops into the Paria River Valley, passes through several tiny villages, crosses some extraordinary (for anywhere but this region) badlands, and descends the Escalante River into Potato Valley. While a driver may justifiably feel she has seen some scenery by that point, the highway is just getting started, for in the next stretch, it crosses a labyrinth of multicolored sandstone humps and corridors, climaxed by a narrow hogback with steep slickrock drops to each side, all within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Reaching the oasis of Boulder within this desert of rock, the road then climbs across the flank of the Aquarius Plateau, providing spectacular vistas and terminating at the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park. Along the way side roads and trails access the vast wilderness of the Paria and Escalante Rivers and the high plateaus they drain. Congress acknowledged the unequaled splendor of Highway 12 by designating it one of a handful of All-American Roads. To travel with Christian Probasco this road and its spurs, which lead deep into some of the wildest, most broken-up and stunning landscapes anywhere, can put a unique twist on an already singular experience. He knows the region as well as anyone and brings an original, edgy, youthful view to it. His opinions and his language may challenge you. His approaches to and perspectives on the land may sometimes surprise you. His understanding of the area's history and its people will likely teach you a thing or two.
The Highlands
by Calum MacleanIn a new edition of this classic book, introduced by the world-renowned Gaelic poet Sorley Maclean, the late Calum I. Maclean, a Gaelic-speaking Highlander, interprets the traditional background, culture and ways of life of his native country. Calum's formal training in folk culture and the depth of his local knowledge make this book truly outstanding - it is written by a Highlander from the inside. Many books on the Highlands have been penned by outsiders with an uncritical appreciation of the scenery and only the most superficial knowledge of the Gaelic language and culture. By contrast, Maclean brought informed attitudes and sympathetic opinions. He was concerned not so much with places, beauty spots and scenery as with the Highlanders in their own self-created environment. He writes in terms of individuals and suggests reasons why Highland culture is unique in the world - it is something that, if lost, can never be recovered or recreated.
Higher Ground: How to Travel Responsibly Without Roughing It
by Rhiannon BattenEverybody loves a holiday but we often don't consider the effect our travel has on the environment and the communities we visit. We need to travel more responsibly, but no-one wants to wear a hair shirt or live on tofu.This comprehensive guide to ethical travel shows how you can enjoy your holiday in comfort and help save the planet at the same time, without it costing an arm and a leg. Explaining the global concerns, the pros and cons to carbon-offsetting and other initiatives, and the best way to be a socially responsible traveller, this book shows how you can travel responsibly and still enjoy a fun, fulfilling trip.
Higher Calling: Road Cycling’s Obsession with the Mountains
by Max LeonardWhy do road cyclists go to the mountains? Many books tell you where the mountains are, or how long and how high. None of them ask ‘Why?’After all, cycling up a mountain is hard – so hard that, to many non-cyclists, it can seem absurd. But, for some, climbing a mountain gracefully (and beating your competitors up the slope) represents the pinnacle of cycling achievement. The mountains are where legends are forged and cycling’s greats make their names.Why are Europe’s mountain ranges professional cycling’s Wembley Stadium or its Colosseum? Why do amateurs also make a pilgrimage to these high, remote roads and what do we see and feel when we do?Why are the roads there in the first place?Higher Calling explores the central place of mountains in the folklore of road cycling. Blending adventure and travel writing with the rich narrative of pro racing, Max Leonard takes the reader from the battles that created the Alpine roads to the shepherds tending their flocks on the peaks, and to a Grand Tour climax on the ‘highest road in Europe’. And he tells stories of courage and sacrifice, war and love, obsession and elephants along the way.
High Season In Nice
by Robert KanigelNice is the queen of the Côte d'Azur. Founded by the Greeks some time after the sixth century BC, it has borne the tread of Roman legionnaires and Italy-bound Englishmen on the Grand Tour as well as Lost Generation literati from Hemingway to Fitzgerald. Since the late nineteenth century it has been known as a 'pleasure capital', and now tourism is its beating heart. But how did this happen? What was it that changed not just Nice or the French Riviera, but our leisure habits as a whole?HIGH SEASON is a book about pleasure and escape - about what five months or five days in a strikingly beautiful, foreign place, wrested from lives choked with stress and toil back home, meant to a few wealthy people 250 years ago, and mean to millions more of more modest means today. It is about how modern tourism got the way it did. It is about how Nice and the Riviera became what they are; and about the price they paid to do so.
High Mountains and Cold Seas: The life of H.W. ‘Bill’ Tilman: soldier, mountaineer, navigator (H.W. Tilman: The Collected Edition)
by J.R.L. AndersonHarold William ‘Bill’ Tilman (1898 –1977) was among the greatest adventurers of his time, a pioneering mountaineer and sailor who held exploration above all else.The son of a Liverpool sugar importer, Tilman joined the army at seventeen and was twice awarded the Military Cross for bravery during WWI. After the war Tilman left for Africa, establishing himself as a coffee grower. He met Eric Shipton and they began their famed mountaineering partnership, traversing Mount Kenya and climbing Kilimanjaro. Turning to the Himalaya, Tilman went on two Mount Everest expeditions, reaching 27,000 feet without oxygen in 1938. In 1936 he made the first ascent of Nanda Devi, the highest mountain climbed until 1950. He was the first European to climb in the remote Assam Himalaya, delved into Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor and explored extensively in Nepal, all the while developing a mountaineering style characterised by its simplicity and emphasis on exploration. It was perhaps logical that Tilman would eventually buy the pilot cutter Mischief, not with the intention of retiring from travelling, but to access remote mountains. For twenty-two years he sailed Mischief and her successors in search of them—to Patagonia, where he made the first easterly crossing of the ice cap, to Baffin Island to make the first ascent of Mount Raleigh, to Greenland, Spitsbergen, and islands in the far Southern Ocean, before disappearing in the South Atlantic in 1977.J.R.L. Anderson’s High Mountains and Cold Seas draws on a wealth of personal correspondence between Tilman—a compulsive letter writer—and his immediate family and close friends, crafting the first detailed account of the extraordinary life of this remarkable, but very private individual.
High Latitude Sailing: Self-sufficient sailing techniques for cold waters and winter seasons
by Jon Amtrup Bob SheptonSailing in cold waters is challenging, but hugely rewarding. And when you venture into the high latitudes you find yourself in some of the world's last real wildernesses. In recent years climate change has made these regions more accessible to small boats, and it is now possible to venture further afield in search of adventure. With practical advice, stunning photography and first-hand accounts of voyages from world-renowned experts, this book offers hard-won wisdom on all aspects of sailing in cold waters: · Preparing yourself: good routines, assessing risk and preparing your crew· Preparing your boat: design, heating, engine, steering, anchors and electrics· Sailing in ice: instrumentation, charts, and what to do when you get stuck· Safety: MOB, polar bears, glaciers and dinghy procedure· Communication: VHF, satellite and SSB· Weather: interpreting GRIB files and reading ice charts · Anchoring and mooring: types and numbers of anchors and mooring lines· Clothes: hiking and skiwear; the three-layer principle· Cruising areas: Svalbard, Antarctica, South Georgia and many moreWhether it's tackling the North-West Passage aboard your own yacht or a more modest voyage, heading to Antarctica or keeping your boat in the water for the quieter and often more beautiful winter season, this book is essential reading for all sailors preparing for enjoyable and safe sailing in cold waters.
High Latitude Sailing: Self-sufficient sailing techniques for cold waters and winter seasons
by Jon Amtrup Bob SheptonSailing in cold waters is challenging, but hugely rewarding. And when you venture into the high latitudes you find yourself in some of the world's last real wildernesses. In recent years climate change has made these regions more accessible to small boats, and it is now possible to venture further afield in search of adventure. With practical advice, stunning photography and first-hand accounts of voyages from world-renowned experts, this book offers hard-won wisdom on all aspects of sailing in cold waters: · Preparing yourself: good routines, assessing risk and preparing your crew· Preparing your boat: design, heating, engine, steering, anchors and electrics· Sailing in ice: instrumentation, charts, and what to do when you get stuck· Safety: MOB, polar bears, glaciers and dinghy procedure· Communication: VHF, satellite and SSB· Weather: interpreting GRIB files and reading ice charts · Anchoring and mooring: types and numbers of anchors and mooring lines· Clothes: hiking and skiwear; the three-layer principle· Cruising areas: Svalbard, Antarctica, South Georgia and many moreWhether it's tackling the North-West Passage aboard your own yacht or a more modest voyage, heading to Antarctica or keeping your boat in the water for the quieter and often more beautiful winter season, this book is essential reading for all sailors preparing for enjoyable and safe sailing in cold waters.
High Heels and a Head Torch: The Essential Guide For Girls Who Backpack
by Chelsea DukeWhen Chelsea Duke took a year out to travel round the world alone, she had no idea what she was letting herself in for. Never having described herself as the outdoorsy type or having stayed in a hostel before, life on the backpacker trail held some rather unpleasant surprises. But by the end of the year she had amassed a range of survival techniques to rival Ray Mears, all of which she is generously passing on here. From beauty treatments to do before you set off and how not to kill yourself in a South American shower, to the indispensable nature of the sparkly flip-flop, High Heels and a Head Torch will tell you everything you need to know to keep yourself looking and feeling glam when your wardrobe fits into a shoe box and those little home comforts are a million miles away. As well as lists of DOs and DON'Ts and tons of useful advice on every aspect of the travel experience, including personal safety, High Heels and a Head Torch is full of hilarious anecdotes and is the ultimate survival tool for any glamorous girl about to set off in search of adventure.
High Caucasus: A Mountain Quest in Russia’s Haunted Hinterland
by Tom Parfitt'A thrilling and beautiful book' Philip Marsden'Tom Parfitt has re-invented travel writing for the 21st century' Oliver BulloughOn 1 September 2004, Chechen and Ingush militants took more than a thousand people captive at a school in the Caucasus region of southern Russia. Working as a correspondent, Tom Parfitt witnessed the bloody climax in which 314 hostages died, more than half of them children. The experience left Tom emotionally shredded, struggling to find a way to return to his life in Moscow and put to rest the ghosts of the Beslan siege.Having long been fascinated by the mountainous North Caucasus, Tom turned to his love of walking as a source of both recuperation and discovery. In High Caucasus, he shares his remarkable thousand-mile quest in search of personal peace - and a greater understanding of the roots of violence in a region whose fate has tragic parallels with the Ukraine of today.Starting his journey in Sochi on the Black Sea and walking the mountain ranges to Derbent, the ancient fortress city on the Caspian, Tom traverses the political, religious and ethnic fault-lines of seven Russian republics, including Chechnya and Dagestan. Through bear-haunted forests, across high altitude pastures and over the shoulders of Elbrus, Europe's highest mountain, he finds companionship and respite in the homes of proud, little-known peoples. Walking exerts a restorative power; it also provides a unique, ground-level view of a troubled yet exquisite corner of the world.High Caucasus is a stunning memoir of confronting trauma through connection with history, people and place.
High: A Journey Across the Himalayas Through Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Nepal and China
by Erika Fatland"Enchanting" Independent"Fatland is a sensitive and insightful chronicler of quotidian lives and a compelling narrator" Observer"Erika Fatland ascends to new heights with her fascinating journey" WanderlustAn ambitious and magnificent new travelogue by internationally bestselling, prizewinning writer Erika Fatland.The Himalayas meander for more than two thousand kilometres through many different countries, from Pakistan to Myanmar via Nepal, India, Tibet and Bhutan, where the world religions of Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism are interspersed with ancient shamanic beliefs. Countless languages and vastly different cultures exist in these isolated mountain valleys. Modernity and tradition collide, while the great powers fight for influence.We have read about climbers and adventurers on their way up Mount Everest, and about travellers on a spiritual quest to remote Buddhist monasteries. Here, however, the focus is on the communities of these Himalayan valleys, those who live and work in this extraordinary region. As Erika Fatland introduces us to the people she meets along her journey, and in particular the women, she takes us on a vivid and dizzying expedition at altitude through incredible landscapes and dramatic, unknown histories. Skilfully weaving together the politics, geography, astrology, theology and ecology of this vast region, she also explores some of the most volatile human conflicts of our times.With her unique gift for listening, and for storytelling, she has become one of the most exciting travel writers of her generation.Translated from the Norwegian by Kari Dickson
Hideaway: A spine-chilling, supernatural horror novel
by Dean KoontzCan you hide from the darkness within? Dean Koontz writes a thrilling tale in Hideaway, as the effects of a near-fatal accident have devastating results. Perfect for fans of Harlan Coben and Stephen King.'Koontz leaps beyond the bounds of the usual supernatural thriller. Hideaway is a novel of ideas.' - Lexington Herald-Leader Although accident victim Hatch Harrison dies en route to the hospital, a brilliant physician miraculously resuscitates him. Given this second chance, Hatch and his wife Lindsey approach each day with a new appreciation of the beauty of life - until a series of mysterious and frightening events brings them face to face with the unknown.Although Hatch was given no glimpse of an afterlife during the period when his heart had stopped, he has reason to fear that he has brought a terrible presence back with him... from the land of the dead.When people who have wronged the Harrisons begin to die violently, Hatch comes to doubt his own innocence - and must confront the possibility that this life is just a prelude to another, darker place. What readers are saying about Hideaway: 'He is a genius at psychological manipulations and you will know visceral fear''Spellbinding, heart-breaking and truly fearsome''A stylish, dark and totally enthralling thriller which crackles with energy, menace and surprises'
The Hideaway: An irresistible story of secrets, heartbreak and a surprising new beginning. A No. 1 bestseller
by Sheila O'FlanaganTHE NO. 1 BESTSELLERThe breathtaking novel from Sunday Times bestselling Sheila O'Flanagan, author of THE MISSING WIFE and WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT. Perfect for readers of Catherine Alliott and Marian Keyes. What would you do if you discovered you were living a lie?When a shocking news report shatters Juno Ryan's world, she suddenly finds herself without the man she loves - and with no way of getting the answers she needs. Juno flees to the enchanting Villa Naranja in Spain. The blue skies and orange groves - along with Pep, the local winemaker's handsome son - begin to soothe her broken heart. But just when she begins to feel whole again, another bombshell drops. Juno might have run away from her secrets, but the past isn't finished with her...'The sultry Spanish location is wonderfully escapist ... a captivating, sun-soaked read' Daily Express'If you're seeking an escape of your own, this sunny, evocative story is the perfect place to hide away' S Magazine'A feel-good story told by a funny and down-to-earth heroine' Woman'A hugely enjoyable romance, written with pace and heart. It will make you long to jump on a plane yourself' Sunday Mirror'A beautiful backdrop to the story of a woman finding acceptance and new beginnings' Woman & Home'Perfect for those lazy, hazy days' Sun'Pure escapism' Candis'You'll race through this warm, heart-felt read' Best'Page-turner' Bella
The Hidden Ways: Scotland's Forgotten Roads
by Alistair MoffatShortlisted for the Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards In The Hidden Ways, Alistair Moffat traverses the lost paths of Scotland. Down Roman roads tramped by armies, warpaths and pilgrim routes, drove roads and rail roads, turnpikes and sea roads, he traces the arteries through which our nation's lifeblood has flowed in a bid to understand how our history has left its mark upon our landscape. Moffat's travels along the hidden ways reveal not only the searing beauty and magic of the Scottish landscape, but open up a different sort of history, a new way of understanding our past by walking in the footsteps of our ancestors. In retracing the forgotten paths, he charts a powerful, surprising and moving history of Scotland through the unremembered lives who have moved through it.
Hidden Valley: Finding freedom in Spain's deep country
by Paul RichardsonThe story of the real 'good life' of an off-grid existence in rural SpainPaul Richardson fled the city to live on the land in a rough-and-tumble village on the edge of Europe. Immersing himself in the culture of his remote Spanish community, he learned the traditional arts of animal husbandry and vegetable growing, wine-making and home distilling, and made bread from the rye he sowed on the stone-walled terraces of his twelve-acre farm. In prose that shimmers with wit and sensuality, the author charts his personal route-map along a road less travelled - from urban pressures to rural tranquility, and from insecurity to fulfilment. Along the way he pays tribute to the influences that have shaped his progress - from The Good Life to Henry David Thoreau, from the 1970s pioneers to self-sufficiency to his farming neighbours in the far-flung region of Extremadura. In Richardson's hands, off-grid living both becomes an act of rebellion and a heartening proof that a simpler, better life is possible, if only we can remove ourselves from the ethos in which conspicuous consumption is a duty and success/failure the wheel on which society turns. Hidden Valley is a glorious narrative of one man's journey towards self-reliance. Original and thought-provoking, it is also hugely entertaining.