This is a lovely book. I really enjoyed it – partly, I suspect, because I have a similar sense of humour to that of the author and also because I am generally curious about life.
The author goes for walks on the moors above Hebden Bridge (yes those moors) and his mind wanders widely, prompted by what he sees or hears. It’s a good mechanism for being able to write about almost anything you like providing you can find a hook, and there always is a hook.
There’s a lot of Charles Darwin in this book, the author is a fan, and that works for me. There are also his views on grouse shooting – not terribly enamoured – and some great descriptions of the weather (November) and explanations of how you make maps with triangulation. The author is good at explanations. I like that.
Eclectic – that’s what this book is. And rambling – in a good way (after all, these are walks).
I liked it. I hope Richard Carter is writing another volume of his thoughts. I’ll buy it.
On the Moor: science, history and nature on a country walk by Richard Carter is published by Gruts Media.
Remarkable Birds by Mark Avery is published by Thames and Hudson – for reviews see here.
Inglorious: conflict in the uplands by Mark Avery is published by Bloomsbury – for reviews see here.
