Freedom to Roam Guides
South Pennines and the Bronte Moors by Hebden Bridge writer, |
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A new series of special guidebooks can help walkers get the best out of new access to open countryside. The Freedom to Roam guides are jointly published by the Ramblers and Frances Lincoln. The first five titles cover the rich opportunities for walkers in the Peak and Pennine regions and are part of an ongoing series.
Wharfedale and Nidderdale by Hebden Bridge writer, |
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The handy-sized guides each outline around a dozen walks using new access
land, as well as extensive practical information on the new rights of access
that are currently being introduced in England and Wales. They?ve been written
by Andrew Bibby and renowned Peak District expert Roly Smith, both leading
outdoor writers.
The Pennine Divide: by Hebden Bridge writer, |
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The writers faced an unusual challenge: how to write a walking guide where the whole point is to take advantage of being able to roam at will over a large area rather than sticking to a fixed route. So the routes include some stretches of rights of way and other obvious paths, but in other places encourage you to strike out over the open moors. And while the accompanying Ordnance Survey map extracts highlight key points of interest along the way, the authors haven?t joined the dots for you: instead you?re left to work out your own way between them.
North York Moors: by Judy Armstrong |
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Besides the maps there are some breathtaking photographs, and generous quantities of background information on the history and wildlife you?re likely to encounter. You?ll also read about the role played by many of the sites visited in the history of the access movement. Public transport details are included, with many of the South Pennine and Peak District routes in particular easily reached from the major cities of the region.
Forest of Bowland Andrew Bibby |
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All the walks are graded, although a certain amount of difficulty goes with the territory and you?ll need at least some hillwalking experience and the ability to read an OS map in order to tackle even the shortest, easiest routes. Further advice is given n the books themselves.
Peak District (Freedom to Roam Guide) by Roly Smith |
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Peak District (Freedom to Roam Guide) by Roly Smith |
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Wensleydale and Swaledale: (Freedom to Roam Guide) by Andrew Bibby |
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Three Peaks and the Howgill Fells (Freedom to Roam Guide) by Sheila Bowker |
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