This is a revised edition of a classic text, describing a walk that encircles London, almost exclusively staying within its green and off-road spaces. It contains fascinating and in depth discussions of the history, politics, and wildlife of each area that the walk explores. The Green London Way is an alternative approach to exploring London.
For those who need encouragement in taking up the pleasures of the long-distance footpath, a good beginning might be Chapter 1 (A: Adventure). If you want to know what to bring with you, look at Chapter 12 (L: Lists) and if you want to consider whom to bring with you, check out Chapter 3 (C: Companions), Chapter 11 (K: Kids) or even 4 (D: Dogs). If you need some hints on where to head, particularly in Britain, consider Chapter 22 (V: Viewpoints); in the U.K. you will also find use for Chapter 20 (T: Transportation), Chapter 2 (B: Bed & Breakfast), Chapter 8 (H: Hotels), Chapter 16 (P: Pubs), Chapter 25 (Y: Youth Hostels), Chapter 6 (F: Food) and Chapter 23: (W: Weather). How to cope with health crises is discussed in Chapter 9 (I: Illness and Injury). What your feet will encounter on British footpaths is illustrated in Chapter 19 (S: Surfaces); human encounters are discussed in Chapter 5 (E: Encounters) and animal ones in Chapter 26 (Z: Zoo Story). Typical trailside chatter is revealed in Chapter 17 (Q: Questions). How to select and use an appropriate guidebook is covered in Chapter 7 (G: Guidebooks), maps in Chapter 13 (M: Maps), and hints on figuring it all out on the ground in Chapter 18 (R: Route finding). What to do when your route in blocked is considered in Chapter 15 (O: Obstruction!), how to react when you get lost in Chapter 24 (X: X The Unknown) and when to call it a day in Chapter 10 (J: Judgment). Finally, if you want a quick insight into the reliability or even the sanity of the present author, check out his catalogue of grievances in Chapter 21 (U: Unforgiven) or his rambling obsessions in Chapter 14 (N: Neurotica).
'Utterly fascinating and intriguing' NEIL ANSELL, author of The Last Wilderness 'Captivating' LEE SCHOFIELD, author of Wild Fell 'A joyful celebration' LEV PARIKIAN, author of Into the Tangled Bank 'A perfect mix of whodunnit and wonder' JAMES ALDRED, author of Goshawk Summer To the Victorians, the musk plant was prized for its intoxicating perfume. Yet in 1913 all the musk plants in the world suddenly stopped smelling. Unable to resist the lure of the mystery, Bob Gilbert turns detective. From the London Underground to Scotland's Pentland Hills, from uncovering a possible murder to confronting the unsettling silence of the yew tree, The Missing Musk mixes history, nature writing and science to uncover the truth behind six of nature's great enigmas.
Representing the Nation gathers key writings from leading cultural thinkers to ask what role cultural institutions play in creating and shaping our sense of ourselves as a nation.
This guidebook presents 25 varied walks exploring London's green and open spaces. Covering both the city centre and the Greater London area, it takes in royal parks, heaths, forests, canals and rivers, including Epping Forest, Hampstead Heath, the World Heritage site of Kew Gardens and Wimbledon Common. Walks range from 4 to 14 miles and most can be accessed by public transport. Alongside detailed route descriptions and OS mapping, the book features practical information on parking, public transport and refreshments. Each walk showcases a particular species of wildlife that you might encounter, and there is fascinating background information the history and conservation of the capital's wild spaces. London is a city of 8 million people and 8 million trees, and its vast open spaces are home to 13,000 species of wildlife. This book is an ideal companion to exploring a greener, more gentle side to the city.
No city in the world has such a rich diversity of beautiful green spaces as London, which provide a wealth of opportunities to exercise and commune with nature year round. Whether you're a nature lover, amateur horticulturist or an enthusiastic walker, or all three - or just seeking a bit of peace and quiet away from the stresses of life - you'll find our 20 green walks immensely rewarding.