AA Walks Through Britain's History
Product Review & Walking Gear Test
Walks Through Britain's History Vital Statistics: SRP: |
Features to Note:
- 100 walks (between 2 and 10 miles)
- Coffee-table format plus a pocket sized companion book
- Published September 2011
In-use Test:
This is an interesting presentation of walks in that the routes are organised by 12 historical periods* encompassing 'Early Britain' (4500BC-AD43), via Roman Britain (AD43-410), Saxons, Vikings through to Modern Britain (1945- Present).
The walks have been selected to represent a cross-section of historical events; the places around which the walks are based are placed in the era in which they have a special significance.
An introductory chapter discusses history's impact on the land summarising how events in each period changed the countryside.
Each of the 12 sections has 9 circular walks with route instructions plus a map together with a review of the walk's historical background plus information on other points of interest. The layout and instructions for each walk seem clear and easy to follow. There's also a useful map of the UK at the front to help in finding the general location of each walk - a grid reference is the only means of finding the specific location of the start.
Rather crucially, there is also a pocket-sized version of the whole book to actually take with you.
* Early Britain' (4500BC-AD43), Roman Britain (AD43-410), Saxons and vikings (410-1066), The Normans (1066-1300), Medieval Britain (1300-1485), The Tudors (1485-1603), The Stuarts (1603-1714), The Georgian Age (1714-1837), The Victorian Age (1837-1901), The Edwardain Age (1901-1918), Depression and War (1918-1945), Modern Britain (1945- Present).
If you're an afficionado of walk books, then the AA's 'Walks through Britain's History' is an interesting assembly of family oriented walks. The coffee-table version is an attractive source of inspiration ... but practically speaking the pocket sized version is the only realistic way of using the information. Just make sure you do not get it wet!
Have you got a AA Walks Through Britain's History ?
We would love to hear what you thought of it - good, bad or indifferent. Perhaps you simply disagree with the verdict above - or feel an important feature has been negelected.
Let us know by clicking this link - What I think of AA Walks Through Britain's History - so we can publish your important views below.