Review of ‘Circular Walks in the Peak District’, by Pat Tidsall

This review is by Julie Bunting, and was published originally in The Peak Advertiser, the Peak District's local free newspaper, and is reproduced with Julie's kind permission.

Readers who enjoy exploring the Peak on foot might think that this title sounds familiar. In fact it is the third in a series which can truly be described as pocket sized, at a lightweight and compact 5 x 7 inches (12 x 18 cm). Of necessity the typeface is small, about the same size as the fine text on an OS Outdoor Leisure map.

Author Pat Tidsall is well known for her wide experience of compiling walks based on her familiarity with areas centred on the Peak. She knows the importance of grading the routes for ease of walking, i.e. ascents and descents, whilst enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery in England.

Like its predecessors, this new publication packs a punch, with no less than 20 walks but this time upping the distance to cover routes of between 6 and 10 miles. With 20 scenic walks mapped out to include an overall description of the route, sketch map and step-by-step directions including types and number of stiles, here is a full summer of weekend outings - at only 20 pence per walk. A brief cross-section could include Hurdlow & Monyash, Ashford & the Wye Valley, Errwood Reservoir & Derbyshire Bridge, Hulme End & Butterton and Peter Dale & Millers Dale.

Introductory overviews provide the all-important detail for decision making: where to leave the car, linear distance and approximate time needed to walk the chosen route, types of paths - tracks, field, limestone dale, moorland etc., and, not least, toilets, refreshment stops and picnic areas.

Review by Julie Bunting