High Point: A Guide to Walking the Summits of Great Britain's 85 Historic Counties Paperback – 1 December 2014

This is a brave book. Brave, in so far as it launches a foray into a market that might be oversubscribed - many will feel that there is a plethora of walking guide literature. Its bravery is also attested by the resolve and courage of the author, who broke his leg during one of his more remote and hazardous trips, having completed all but three of the eighty nine high points ; he completed his quest one year later.Bravery pays off here : the book works triumphantly.Much hard information is made available to the reader, but this is accompanied by the more subjective themes of the narrative.The author pitches this well when he writes :" This...has been the most fantastic treat, adventure and education...appealing at so many different levels and in so many different ways...."The book lives up to this enthusiastic reflection.You can open it at random, and be informed and entertained in equal measure. There is an exquisite balance to the author's comment on, say, Lincolnshire :" The flat nature of Lincolnshire gives it, in some circles, a reputation for being rather dull, but I must say I found its wide open spaces quite apealing."Inspiration and discernment combine to make this book a " must have" for anyone who seeks to undertake a comprehensive tour of the United Kingdom. The mundane and the grandiose are countenanced with equal candour and insight.The book is enhanced by all necessary ordnance survey maps, distances and timings, along with information about local cafes and pubs. There are some sublime views among the many photographs.One of the most delightful features of the book is " The Honey Project", whereby local honey was purchased from all but eight of the British counties - every single one of those eight being, for some reason, in Scotland.This book will make you realise what you're missing. A guide to walking the summits of Great Britain's eighty five historic counties, and a taste of honey. It is a testament and a treasure.Phil Andrade, an armchair walking enthusiast.

Excellent and most interesting book. Great value for anyone interested in local geography

I've really enjoyed reading this book - clear maps and plenty of images (and humorous asides!). It will be kept in the glove box of my car to aid spontaneous walks wherever I am in Great Britain!