Dore to Door internet edition

Book Reviews - Summer 2005

Peak District Illustrated Walks - Peak District: Northern and Western Moors & Peak District: East and South - Walking in Lancashire, Glyndwr’s Way (from Knighton to Welshpool) and Walking in the Dordogne - Fish-it! - portrait of Crookes Cemetery

The Peak District is full of surprises. Away from dramatic and popular attractions there are hidden uncrowded valleys and villages waiting to be discovered. Three new books provide opportunities to explore the District’s attractions.

Peak District Illustrated Walks by Trevor Yorke is exactly what is says on the cover. Each of the 20 circular walks are generously illustrated with beautifully drawn black and white maps and pictures. The walks vary in length from 2 ½ to 5 ½ miles and each route description is accompanied by details on how to get to the start, where to park and where to go for refreshments nearby. There are also interesting historical notes on the buildings, curiosities and sights to be seen en route. The illustrations and maps are a pleasure in themselves and bound to make you want to explore the routes for yourself. Published by Countryside Books £7.99, 96 pages ISBN 1-85306-892-6

The new Freedom to Roam legislation has opened up acres of previously inaccessible countryside to Peak District walkers. Two new pocket size guides written by Roly Smith offer a chance to begin to explore these rich new opportunities for walkers.

Peak District: Northern and Western Moors, features walks on wild moors and tors which were the scene of much early campaigning while Peak District: East and South, explores the landscapes and wildlife of the national park. Each guide includes an introduction to the area: its landscape, history and wildlife, 12 walks, graded for difficulty (from 5 to 10 miles) and detailed colour Ordnance Survey maps. There are special features on points of interest chosen to add to walkers’ enjoyment of the countryside, practical information for visitors and information on public rights of access. Each guide runs to 144 pages. Published by Frances Lincoln in conjunction with the Ramblers’ Association, price £7.99 each .

Cicerone Press continue to produce the largest range of specialist books for walkers covering every part of the Britain and most popular walking venues abroad. Some of the recently published books include Walking in Lancashire, Glyndwr’s Way (from Knighton to Welshpool) and Walking in the Dordogne. Each book is published in handy pocket size and amply illustrated with colour maps and photographs. There is a choice of difficulty and length (both distance and time taken) with introductions to the area of each walk, details of where to park and clear instructions on the route. Most books are priced in the £10 to £13 range and offer a winning formula. Available from all good bookshops, or for a full list phone Cicerone Press on 01539 562 069.

Walkers seem very well catered for in the publishing industry, so it is refreshing to come across a new book aimed at those interested in fishing. Fish-it! Is a new guide to coarse fishing in the South Yorkshire area, containing information on over 70 lakes, ponds, reservoirs and canals. It has been written by local enthusiast Chris Keeling in a handy pocket format. The guide is three area sections, with maps showing the location of all the sites and for each a handy summary. These provide day ticket prices, a description of the site, how to find it, the types of fish, and the facilities available. There is even a useful list of tackle shops. Published in colour by Pickard Communication price £7.99 ISBN 0-9547264-3-X

Sometimes overgrown and forgotten, yet full of memories, cemeteries can provide a fascinating record and insight into the human history of local communities. It comes to us all is a portrait of Crookes Cemetery, the first established municipal cemetery in Sheffield. Written by Julie Stone whose grandfather was Superintendent, the book looks at the cemetery as part of peoples lives, at its rules and regulations, and at some of the inscriptions and stories behind them. It is full of old atmospheric black and white photographs and completed by a guide to the site and list of surnames mentioned. This fascinating little book running, to 50 pages, will appeal to anyone interested in social history. Published by Northend Ltd price £4.99 and available from local bookshops or from Northern Map Distributors on 0800 834920 ISBN 0-901100-56-0