The twentieth anniversary of the Countryside & Rights of Way (CRoW) Act in 2020 provides a good opportunity to look back on the doughty band of campaigners who fought for so long to give ramblers their cherished right to roam. This century-old battle brought to the fore a number of larger-than-life characters who were prepared to go to extreme lengths--in some cases even imprisonment--to reclaim the right of access which were taken from the people by the hated Enclosure Acts of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This book describes the life and work of twenty of these "wilderness warriors", retelling the battles they fought against seemingly intractable politicians and the Establishment and includes memories of personal encounters by the author with many of them. From the nature-loving romantic poet John Clare and access pioneers such as Tom Stephenson and Benny Rothman, to present-day activists and writers such as Jim Perrin, Fiona Reynolds and Kate Ashbrook, Walking Class Heroes describes the contributions made by philanthropists, writers and political militants. Their battlegrounds included the Peak District, Dartmoor and Scotland and their tactics encompassed campaigning journalism, legal dexterity and even mass trespass. Some are no longer with us of course, but several others are continuing the fight for the same kind of public access to the countryside currently enjoyed by our neighbours in Scotland and the rest of Europe. Roly Smith was recently described by a reviewer as "one of Britain's most knowledgeable countryside writers". He has written over ninety books on the British countryside and is vice-president of the Outdoor Writers' and Photographers' Guild, having been its president for twelve years, and is also a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers. A journalist by training, Roly was Head of Information Services for the Peak District National Park for thirteen years, where he became known as "Mr Peak District".

Satisfy your curiosity for mysterious sites, ancient history, legends and folklore with this book of walks through and to gems of the British countryside. A walk in the countryside is made immeasurably more satisfying and interesting if it takes you to a curious place, through countryside with a story to tell, or is linked to a historical, mythical or legendary event. The British countryside is rich in these kinds of landscapes, perhaps richer than anywhere else in the world, and it is blessed with a network of footpaths which can lead you to them. Excite young and old walkers alike as you lead them along the legendary fateful route Sir Gawain took to the Green Chapel in the classic 14th century tale Sir Gawain and the Green Knight; or tour the bizarre natural rock formations at Brimham Rocks in Yorkshire. You could visit the spectacular High Force waterfall in Durham, or look for the Hogwarts Express crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands. Perhaps you'd like a magical stroll through Wistman's Wood, the fairytale Dartmoor oak forest, or to wander along the beautiful Cornish coastline to Tintagel Castle, the supposed birthplace of King Arthur. Short Walks to Curious Places features the very best of these walks. Each walk is between two and ten miles in length, providing variety for walkers of all abilities, and features beautiful photography, directional details and useful information on how to guide yourself along the route. The story behind the walk, and the reason for it, is paramount, taking you to some fascinating places in the British countryside.