Hadrian's Wall Path: National Trail Guide

Rating:
Summary: Well illustrated, well written - just like being there
Review: This is a great travel book, a synthesis of fine writing, beautiful color pictures, and excellent Ordnance Survey maps. It pulls a region together and makes it feel like you are there.

Starting with a few wide range maps and a bit of history, this National Trail Guide sets the context of Hadrian's Wall in time and in space, both how to get there, and why you would want to visit. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a British National Trail (one of 13), and an important historical site, Hadrian's Wall offers many beautiful natural vistas, archaeological and Roman historical sites, and a cross section of British city, town, and country life. All arranged in a linear 84 mile (135 km) national park.

The book assumes a walking tour, with an introduction, 6 descriptive tour chapters, and a few sections on resources and additonal reading. The most interesting parts for me are the 6 tours. Each chapter is nicely arranged with a map or photo per page with descriptive text along side.

The Ordnance Survey maps are the best in the world - very readable and clear. This book reprints the 1:25,000 maps verbatim, the same as you get at Ordnance Survey Get-a-Map ( http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/). Similarly, the photos of buildings and vistas along the wall are well done - colorful and excellent resolution.

However, what is most impressive is the prose that winds along the maps and photos. "Where the verge path ends, cross the stile and continue on the footpath inside the wall. Now having joined the field, the Vallum looks even more impressive." Reading the words and following along the maps makes the tour completely life-like for me, making me feel like I am walking along with a tour guide.

The book is printed on thick paper with nicely embossed textured heavy-stock cover stock. The page corners are rounded nicely. Completely high quality.

Perhaps the book can be improved by more depth. I would love to read a bit more about the pubs or the sleeping accomodations. However, I too understand that this information would change quickly or perhaps be a bit too partisan.

In the end, the book makes me want to revisit the area. It also makes me want to get other titles in the series such as Offa's Dyke, The Pennine Way, or The Thame's Path - place I have never been. For me that is the mark of a true travelogue: it makes you want to rush out and see the place firsthand.