This true story is of two boys in their later teens who have saved up like mad to buy seven-day Railrovers and go on their train spotting trip of a lifetime. Their Railrovers give unlimited travel for one designated week on the London Midland Region of British Rail. It is the first week of August 1965. Around 4,000 steam engines are still alive and kicking but there would be just over three years more before steam would be finally gone from British Rail. The week is planned in advance with rigorous research and military precision. the actual visit encapsulates eight days (seven by London Midland Region Railrover) of total frenetic excitement. Although the Railrover covered only the London Midland Region a necessary pilgrimage was made to Barry Docks. Rewinds and fast forwards to other trips are also made where appropriate. There are frequent scarcely credible brushes with shed masters and railway police. Visits to railway sheds are packed into every available daylight minute and early starts are ensured through planned overnight stays on railway platform waiting rooms etc. predictably a lot of the week did not go according to the planned timetable and the unforeseen consequences of this add to the overall enjoyment of the tale. Every single engine observed (on and off shed) is recorded in detail, together with the itineraries and in-depth commentaries on all the amusing incidents that took place. This work therefore provides a camera shot of one week in the declining years of steam on British Rail.

Celebrated novelist, biographer and critic Peter Ackroyd paints a vivid picture of one of the world's greatest cities in this brilliant and original work, exploring how the city's many hues have come to shape its history and identity. Think of the colours of London and what do you imagine? The reds of open-top buses and terracotta bricks? The grey smog of Victorian industry, Portland stone and pigeons in Trafalgar square? Or the gradations of yellows, violets and blues that shimmer on the Thames at sunset - reflecting the incandescent light of a city that never truly goes dark? We associate green with royal parks and the District Line; gold with royal carriages, the Golden Lane Estate, and the tops of monuments and cathedrals. Colours of London shows us that colour is everywhere in the city, and each one holds myriad links to its past. The colours of London have inspired artists (Whistler, Van Gogh, Turner, Monet), designers (Harry Beck) and social reformers (Charles Booth). And from the city's first origins, Ackroyd shows how colour is always to be found at the heart of London's history, from the blazing reds of the Great Fire of London to the blackouts of the Blitz to the bold colours of royal celebrations and vibrant street life. This beautifully written book examines the city's fascinating relationship with colour, alongside specially commissioned colourized photographs from Dynamichrome, which bring a lost London back to life. London has been the main character in Ackroyd's work ever since his first novel, and he has won countless prizes in both fiction and non-fiction for his truly remarkable body of work. Here, he channels a lifetime of knowledge of the great city, writing with clarity and passion about the hues and shades which have shaped London's journey through history into the present day. A truly invaluable book for lovers of art, history, photography or urban geography, this beautifully illustrated title tells a rich and fascinating story of the history of this great and ever-changing city.

We might love our eggs mini, but there’s nothing small about our new cookbook.

We know the importance of a tasty treat and thought it was time that some old favourites were given a yummy Mini Eggs twist! We’ve popped on our aprons and have spent a lot of time getting messy in the kitchen to bring you this book of 60 favourites.

So whether you’re after a scrummy pud, a mouth-watering breakfast or some crumbly cookies that will wow your friends at the next bake sale, this book is just what you’ve been looking for.  

Dig in for delicious recipes including:

• Mini Eggs Rocky Road
• Mini Eggs Milkshake
• Chocolate Meringue Mini Eggs Baskets
• Mini Eggs Blondies
• Super Speedy Mini Eggs Easter Fudge Nibbles
• Mini Eggs Butterfly Surprise Cake
• And lots more!

For a country with a relatively small population, Scotland has had a massive impact on the world. This intriguing miscellany uncovers the culture surrounding its shores, and celebrates the many characters, legends, firsts and inventions that have shaped the country's rich and majestic history. This eye opening collection of trivia will enlighten you on many of the myths surrounding Scotland. Bagpipes, tartan and haggis are all archetypal images of Scotland, and yet none of them likely originated here. Clan wars, family feuds, invasions and battles are just some of the historical subjects divulged in this fascinating miscellany. Scots have also helped to create modern life, with innovators ushering in the Industrial Revolution, medical breakthroughs, not forgetting the Scottish engineers famed across the globe. Along the way you will also find entries on the food, the sporting heritage and darker tales of murder most foul. Brief, accessible and entertaining pieces on a wide variety of subjects makes it the perfect book to dip in to. The amazing and extraordinary facts series presents interesting, surprising and little-known facts and stories about a wide range of topics which are guaranteed to inform, absorb and entertain in equal measure.

In this book are fifty-two compelling tales that will lead the reader on a journey of discovery of the African continent. It tracks the ancient grail of traditional African medicine or muthi. The journey takes one year, with one story for each of the fifty-two weeks. Many of the stories inherited through Africa’s compelling oral tradition are between these covers: committed to paper for the first time ever.

The ancient African people were the first aromatherapists who well understood the effect of plants on the human body, mind and soul. Innately spiritual, the thousands of lineages of African people across thousands of years have all used plant medicines for healing, always with the blessing of their ancestors.

Knowledge of African plant mythology and its associated healing practices is most certainly a grail because on this great continent we call Africa, knowledge has always been an oral tradition. Because it was never written down, thousands of years of healing wisdom and intelligence have been lost in the transference from one generation to the next.

This book endeavoures to bring to light the deep history of fifty-two of the thousands of indigenous medicinal plants of Africa, before it is too late. The focus is towards Southern Africa because this region is a hotspot of cultural and botanical diversity. Unlike the healing knowledge of other ancient cultures, such as India or China, little of Africa’s healing history is recorded.

As you read the stories about fifty-two of the continent’s prominent indigenous plant cures, the authors hope you, too, will experience some of the magnetism, mystery and wisdom of Africa. They hope it will help you understand a bit more about yourself and about our species: the human being.

The go-to Tatra Mountains travel guide for discovering the best walks and car tours. Strap on your boots and discover Tatra Mountains on foot with the Sunflower Tatra Mountains travel guide. And on the days when your feet may have had enough, enjoy some spectacular scenery on one of our legendary car tours. The Sunflower Tatra Mountains guide is indispensable for hiking in the Tatra Mountains or seeing Tatra Mountains by car. For those who love mountain walks, there can be few places where hikers are better catered for than in the Polish Tatras and the Slovakian Tatras. Skilfully constructed paths make hiking in very rough terrain comparatively easy; signposting and waymarking are almost universally excellent. Hillwalkers will be in their element here, but there are often shorter, easy suggestions for the less hardy or they can create their own treks from the detailed maps in the book, which show all waymarked routes. In addition, those touring Slovakia or Poland by car will find that the tours lead to dozens of short walks and picnic spots, so that even those with little walking experience can make the most of these wonderful mountains. In each of the six national parks covered in the book you can look forward to sampling local drinks and dishes at one or more of the mountain inns. Walking in the national parks featured in this guide will undoubtedly be a very rewarding experience - the enjoyment of magnificent scenery and the excellent facilities for hikers, and perhaps also for successfully undertaking what may seem quite daunting walks in relatively high mountains. The experience can be rewarding on another level: being among people who are obviously enjoying themselves, who don't seem to need an array of the latest outdoor fashions, and who are quietly proud of their mountain heritage. Whatever your age or ability we've got some glorious walks and car tours to ensure you have a memorable holiday in Tatra Mountains. Inside the Sunflower Tatra Mountains guide book you'll find: 90 long and short walks for all ages and abilities - each walk is graded so you can easily match your ability to the level of walk Topographical walking maps - give you a clear sense of the surrounding terrain Free downloadable gps tracks - for the techies Satnav guidance to walk starts for motorists 7 car tours and fold-out touring map - for easy reference on your tour Strolls to idyllic picnic spots - enjoy our recommendations for where to picnic along the way Timetables for public transport - ideal if you want to link two walks or avoid hiring a car on your holiday Online update service for the latest information Whether you tour the islands by car or explore on foot, we look forward to showing you around.

A grandmother of four, dons a 25lb rucksack and treks the 700kms El Camino to Santiago de Compostela in a sponsored quest to protect Manx wildlife. Her diary and notes of the route have been compiled into an inspirational journal of adventures across the vineyards, sierras and cities of northern Spain. Her light-hearted informative approach brings to life all that is to be seen on El Camino and an excellent guide for anyone contemplating walking this ancient and well-trodden path.

The go-to Dolomites walking guide for discovering the best walks and bike tours. Strap on your boots and discover the Dolomites on foot with the Sunflower Dolomites travel guide which covers the North and West including Scillar/Schlern and Cainaccio/Rosengarten. The Sunflower Dolomites guide is indispensable for hiking in the Dolomites. Gentle green valleys and towering limestone pinnacles: the Dolomites are a holiday paradise for lovers of the countryside. This guide for touring and walking explores the Val Pusteria and lesser-known valleys to the north, as well as the Valle Isarco bordering the A22 motorway. Highlights include Val di Funes, Sciliar and the Alpi di Siusi, Catinaccio, Puez-Odle and the Tre Cime. The book is an ideal companion for motorists, walkers and cyclists, but those who go for the skiing season will find it equally useful. Inside the Sunflower Dolomites guide book you'll find: Coverage of all the sights as well as practical information 35 long and short walks for all ages and abilities - each walk is graded so you can easily match your ability to the level of walk with plenty of walking and cycling tips Topographical walking maps - give you a clear sense of the surrounding terrain Free downloadable gps tracks - for the techies Fold-out area maps so you can easily get your bearings Plans of major towns are also included Lift opening times, with prices Online update service keeping the guide fully up-to-date Whether you choose to tour the Dolomites by bike or explore on foot, we look forward to showing you around.

Featuring a series of images, this title takes you on a tour of South-East England. It includes photographs of the South Downs, the Weald of Kent, the Thames and its estuary, and the White Cliffs of Dover, as well as castles, stately homes and gardens.