Author: Ron Freethy

Publisher: Countryside Books

ISBN: 978-1-85306-980-2

Ron Freethy, the well-known broadcaster and journalist who spent 40 years exploring Yorkshire and published a number of walking guides, has now written Drive and Stroll in West Yorkshire. A lovely, handy-sized guide book dedicated to Ron’s best loved walks in the West Yorkshire area.

I like to think the cover of this splendid guide instantly captures the landscape of West Yorkshire so well, from the sloping hills and the grassy fields to the clusters of houses, farms and grazing cattle. Even if you’ve never been to the area, just from judging the cover you can see the real essence of the place - it is truly unique. Perhaps this is one of the many reasons why Ron loves West Yorkshire and its many walks so well.

Inside this guide are clearly planned walks ranging from Aberford with its earthworks constructed by Celtic tribes to Sandal Castle in Wakefield with its natural wildlife. Each walk section has photographs to accompany them along with detailed maps to ensure you don’t get lost and also to give you a better grasp of the area. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re disabled or not, Ron has made sure everyone’s needs are catered for.

Blackmoorfoot is a good area to explore for old and young alike and Ron promises that children are welcome at The Bulls Head pub which is situated along the walking route. Remember the Bronte sisters? For those of you who don’t, they were the sisters who lived in Haworth for many years and wrote those famous novels. Ron has picked out Haworth and the famous walk the sisters used to enjoy so well, along side clear streams and tumbling waterfalls over those dramatic moors. This historical walk is great for people who want to experience a good 6 mile amble but Ron warns if you are a dog owner to keep them on a leash for grazing sheep are always close by. Again we have some lovely photographs to accompany the section and a clear map featuring places you may wish to visit while on the walk (i.e the Bronte Parsonage Museum).

Scammonden Water is another great walk Ron has added to the list. With its relatively recently-build but atmospheric reservoir now teaming with wildlife - this is one walk not to miss! If you follow Ron’s instructions it can be a great day out with a visit to Nont Sarah’s Inn boasting excellent food and history in abundance. This walk, says Ron, is unique not only in Yorkshire but in the whole world. Why? Perhaps because you can see the highest motorway in Britain amongst many other good reasons. I won’t tell you them though, you’ll have to read and try this ramble to find out.

These walks are just a few that I have picked out to mention from this excellent walking guide. There are of course, many other uplifting walks (20 circular routes) to take for those of you who enjoy a nice drive in the fresh Yorkshire countryside combined with a satisfying stroll. A great book for everyone.

The above review was contributed by:  Jessica Roberts: Jessica has been a book reviewer for a newspaper and a national women's magazine and is working on a novel. To read more of Jessica's reviews CLICK HERE 

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