Book Review - The Grassington to East Coast Walk

This review has a double purpose. Initially I set out to write a book review. However no sooner had I settled down in the comfort of an armchair, it became apparent that there was a double purpose to my mission. The author, John White, has set out to produce a book that describes a long distance walk between Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales and Robin Hood's Bay on the North Yorkshire Coast. Has he been successful?

Priced at £9.95 the book is complete with relevant Ordnance Survey mapping at 1:25000 scale that would cost in excess of £25, so immediately there is an economic reason for buying the book! Delving into the book, the route description is detailed, easy to read and logically structured making it an east undertaking to follow. Backed by intelligent use of illustrations, the book makes ideal armchair reading even if you don't have time or the energy to actually complete the route!

The route itself is well devised and obviously constructed from a good knowledge base. 95 miles long the author suggests spending 7 days to complete the walk. At times challenging, interesting and varied there is ample for the walker to look forward to after completion of each section - an important and often forgotten necessity for longer walks. With two National Parks included the quality of the countryside is almost guaranteed.

The Verdict - My diary never seems to allow time to complete such a walk although I have tried to complete the Pennine Way and Dales Way in sections. Would this route tempt me to do the same? Yes is the short answer. It is a route that really only has one 'flat' day between Masham and South Otterington when there is very little ascent. All the others have plenty of ups and downs to keep those muscles in trim and the ever changing views should keep me interested and wanting more. More infformation from :-

Fractal Press
1 Low Mill Cottages
Grasington
North Yorkshire
BD23 5BX

E-mail jswhite@fractalpress.plus.com

Review date - 28th August 2003 - Reviewed by LJ