A cross posting from my Geo Library blog project - what do you mean you haven't visited? There's over 700 books that would be of interest to geographers.
'A panoptic, deeply researched and compelling history of our nation' PATRICK BARKHAM
This was the book I finished at the beginning of the summer break.
It's a chunky tome from Nicholas Crane which sits alongside his earlier book on the making of the landscape of Britain.
It explores the origin of the paths and tracks that run through England, from their first makings as the landscape was populated with the first arrivals.
The paths firmed up with foot traffic and created a network of paths connecting settlements as they developed. Horses expanded the network, and trade turned them into roads. They were joined by trains and canals and then the car changed everything.
It's scholarly and accessible and full of incident and detail, taking you through the thickets of ancient woodland and out to the development of motorways and the current issues we face travelling through the countryside, including past struggles to gain access to open access land.
Details from the publisher:
My copy was published by W&N in 2026
Hardback, 432pp
ISBN: 978-1399605816
If you want to hear more about the book, Nicholas Crane is doing a series of events around the country, including a talk in King's Lynn at the Town Hall.
It will be hosted by Norwich School.
Nick will have a focus on the ancient footpaths of East Anglia as well, given the location of the talk, and the fact he was born in Cringleford - a few miles from where my daughter lives - and grew up in the area.
My ticket is booked, so I will see you there and may even help you get some sausage rolls and brownies once the talk is over. We usually have mulled wine on arrival as well...
