About this Event
Join the winner of the Stanfords Outstanding Contribution to Travel Writing Award, Nicholas Crane, for a unique evening discussing and celebrating his latest book: The Path More Travelled.
Walking is a cornerstone of British identity and the most popular form of exercise in the UK. But how much do we know about the paths that we walk? What is their history? Why do they follow the routes that they do? Are they permanent? Can we designate more of them?
The Path More Travelled is a coast-to-coast history of footpaths from the stone age paths walked by migrants 12,000 years to the industrial revolution and the birth of map and walking apps – from beloved writer and broadcaster Nicholas Crane.
In The Path More Travelled, acclaimed geographer and writer Nicholas Crane explores this coast-to-coast web that is both ancient and futuristic. Starting with the stone age paths walked by European migrants 12,000 years ago, he traces their development - from early pilgrim paths and coffin tracks, through to the industrial revolution and the birth of the bicycle and car, sat-nav and walking apps. We discover how land-grabbing Norman barons set a precedent for the enclosure of our countryside, and how out of the ashes of World War Two came our beloved national parks. Along the way, Crane takes the reader on some of his most memorable walks, including the Hadrian's Wall Path, the outer reaches of the Cairngorms, and the banks of the Severn where he discovers footprints from over 7,000 years ago.
From one of our most beloved travel writers, The Path More Travelled is a passionate ode to footpaths and a call to rediscover this most fundamental part of our landscape.
'In-depth research, rich detail, fresh revelations and great storytelling . . . All the characteristics of Nicholas Crane's work are combined in this absorbing and exhilarating look at the wonderful world of Britain's pathways. This book will literally expand your horizons' - MICHAEL PALIN
'A glorious love letter to the British countryside, and its towns and cities too – a panoptic, deeply researched and compelling history of our nation told via its paths, tracks and old ways' - PATRICK BARKHAM
'A delightful meander through the lanes and byways of Britain as they've been trodden through the centuries. In the knowledgeable company of Nicholas Crane, you can feel the autumn mist and summer sun as you trample leaves or gaze out to the coast from one of our island's many paths. Highly recommended' - CATHERINE FLETCHER
About the author:
Nicholas Crane is an author, geographer and the recipient of numerous awards, most recently the 2024 Stanfords Award for Outstanding Contribution to Travel Writing. Between 2015 and 2018, he was president of the Royal Geographical Society. He is also known for his television work as lead presenter on the BAFTA-winning series COAST, among several others. He has written more than ten books, including The Making of the British Landscape.
The event will start promptly at 7.00pm, please arrive 10 minutes early.
Ticket with book £27 - save £6!
Ticket £8.00
Includes a complimentary glass of wine/soft drink on arrival.
The book will be sold 20% off on the evening, but it is better value to buy it with the ticket in advance.
To keep up to date with events at Stanfords,
Author talks are held in our basement which is fully accessible via a nearby lift. Please ask a member of staff who will accompany you.
Please ensure we have an up-to-date contact email address or telephone number when booking your ticket so that we can contact you with any updates.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Stanfords, 7 Mercer Walk, London, United Kingdom
GBP 8.00 to GBP 27.00
