Pathways

'Pathways' traces the history of Britain's historic paths, from ancient processional routes and Roman roads, through smugglers' trails and right up to the pedestrian zones in today's towns and cities. It's a fascinating tale which intersects with every aspect of Britain's development through the centuries and tells us so much about our forebears and their lives. In twenty chapters the book explores paths used for commerce and trade, such as drovers' roads and packhorse routes; dykes, ditches and roads used for the exercise of military power; religious routes from prehistoric avenues to medieval pilgrimages; and pathways built specifically for leisure, whether stalking tracks in Scotland, in municipal parks or on seaside promenades. The book was originally published in hardback by Guardian Books in 2011 and sold out two editions. This version includes all the chapters and information in the original book, just without the pictures. The twenty walks described in the book are available for free download from the Walkingworld.com website. The Walkingworld website features over 6500 walks in Britain and beyond, all with step-by-step guides and Ordnance Survey maps.