Each book is a complete guide in itself for that part of the walk. The description of the route is clear and comprehensive and co-ordinated with Ordnance Survey maps, which makes following the trail very straightforward. Also included is lots of interesting and surprising information about the places you visit. Good access by public transport makes walking the trail in sections easy and this information, together with the availability of accommodation, is given for all the towns and villages the trail passes through.
Book 1: Peacehaven to Greenwich
Beginning at the Meridian Memorial to King George V, the trail goes through some of the loveliest countryside of southern England before reaching the outskirts of London. Once in London, the route makes use of parks and other open spaces and the Pool and Ravensbourne rivers to minimise the time spent walking along streets. The world heritage site of Greenwich is a great way to end the walk.
"All in all a fascinating read, a convenient pocket size and an invitation to try at least some parts of the trail.” Peter Harris – Downsman
“This book is easy to tuck into your pocket as you set off from Peacehaven towards Greenwich. The walk goes through some beautiful countryside and we found ourselves exploring parks and green spaces in London that we didn’t know about." - Barley Bill on Amazon.
"Well done for inventing this great walk. We had many hours of pleasure completing it.” - Doug and Ann Millington, Kate Bird, Bob Sparkes and Vivienne Tingle
Order: AMAZON UK | WATERSTONES Updates: LATEST UPDATES
Book 2: Greenwich to Hardwick - and the Cambridge Loop.
This part is almost the mirror image of the first part, starting in the hustle and bustle of London and finishing in a quiet village in Cambridgeshire. In between, there is Epping Forest, the valley of the River Lee and the soft, undulating Hertfordshire Hills. If you have never visited the city of Cambridge, then follow the Cambridge Loop and enjoy its historic ambience.
"As a long-term LDWA member, I must say that I have found the whole walk (Books 1 and 2) delightful. I was particularly impressed with the route through Greater London from New Addington to Waltham Abbey. That part certainly exceeded expectations." - John Hobbs
“It is nice to find a route with a purpose and I followed the trail from the South Coast to Essex and thoroughly enjoyed it. The need to approximate the Meridian line results in some road sections but the authors have done a magnificent job in creating a different and interesting route.” - Urban Rambler on Amazon
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Book 3: Hardwick to Boston
The Fens are flat, which gives this part of the walk a very different character from the first two. The interest is in the variety within the same canvas of flatness. Dykes and roads appear endless in their straightness. Wind turbines appear all the more imposing. Stand on top of even a modest embankment and you can see for miles. Reed warblers twitter bewitchingly and barn owls patrol the fields. Boston, full of history and pretty buildings, rounds off this part of the trail nicely.
Stop press. See updates page for the new directions over the A14 between Lolworth and Swavesey on pages 3 and 4.
“We have just finished walking the GMT from Greenwich Observatory to Cleethorpes – we had a great time and really enjoyed your books.” – David Wilks and Veena Dhillon
“Great walk with well-described instructions and easy-to-follow maps. Information on local geography and history added to the enjoyment.” - Chailey Rob
Orders: AMAZON UK | WATERSTONES Updates: LATEST UPDATES
Book 4: Boston to Sand le Mere and the Humber Link
A day’s walk takes the trail to the attractive village of Old Bolingbroke and its evocative ruined castle. It is tucked into the folds of the Lincolnshire Wolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty where Alfred Lord Tennyson grew up. Louth, a bustling market town, contrasts with Cleethorpes, a bright and busy holiday resort on the banks of the vast Humber Estuary. The trail ‘jumps’ to Holderness, East Yorkshire and continues to where the Greenwich Meridian crosses the coast at Sand le Mere, just north of Withernsea. It is a suitably bracing end to the trail.
Stop press. See updates page for the new directions around Old Bolingbroke and Hareby, pages 8 to 11.
“This has truly been one of the best long-distance trails that I have undertaken and would recommend it to anyone.” – John Hobbs (again - having completed the trail)
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Header Photo: Lane to Lingfield Church