Review of Freda Bowman and Bob Brill's book Brill Walks in The Peaks and Dales (Book Two), by Julie Bunting
This review is by Julie Bunting, and was published originally in
The Peak Advertiser, the Peak District's local free newspaper,
on 13th February 2006, and is reproduced with Julie's kind permission.
BRILL WALKS IN THE PEAKS AND DALES (Book Two)
Freda Bowman and Bob Brill received high praise for their first book of
walks in the Peak, with the result that publishers Northend suggested
they compile a second. Their style brings out a contagious delight in the
countryside, shining through as we are guided through 12 circular walks
in and around Matlock, Bakewell, Birchover and Youlgrave.
The text fully lives up to Freda's promise: 'One of the main aims is
again to give people confidence in exploring the countryside and make it
very hard for them to get lost!'
Again, too, Freda displays her storytelling flair through short tales
inspired by the history of the areas covered, so that The Spa Lady's
Tale, for instance, brings old Matlock to life and The Lover's Tale
uncovers secrets from Middleton. But Brill Walks is very much a joint
venture and Bob has taken numerous colour photographs, reproduced
here with the bright, fresh colours expected from Northend. Step-by-step
route instructions are backed up by imaginative sketch maps from Roger
Penney.
Spiral binding allows the book to lie flat in a map case, while the glossy
cover and tough pages make for good 'flickability'. Each walk is
preceded by details of its length, terrain, OS map reference, parking
information, refreshment stops and, praise be, toilets.
Brill Walks Book Two is available from usual outlets (to order quote
ISBN 0-901100-62-5) price £7.99.
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[Created 3 Feb 2006. Last updated 24 Oct 2008 - 11:02 by Rosemary Lockie]