Walking Home: My Family and Other Rambles: An Occasional Series About Favourite Walking Books

Once again we’ve come across a book about walking that we have enjoyed and feel the need to review! The last review we shared was way back in July 2013 and was a review of Robert McFarlane’s “The Old Ways”.

Walking Home : My Family and Other Rambles is written by Clare Balding. Clare’s popularity has grown since the 2012 Olympics and she is now classed as a national treasure, a title she has probably got used to, but I think was a surprise to her initially.

Clare’s style is very easy to read and the book doesn’t take long to gallop through. She is chatty and engaging and if you are interested in other people’s loves and lives, you will enjoy Clare’s open sharing of the humdrum of her every day life both at home and at work. This isn’t a book that will tax a literary brain.

I wanted to read the book because I enjoy walking. Much of the book refers to the Radio 4 programme called Ramblings. The formula of the programme is Clare meets someone interesting and walks with them talking about interesting things. The book gives insight into many of the programmes and people that she met as well as chatting about her relationship with the producer and other members of the team. It sounds such fun as well work. Sadly the programme is no longer being broadcast, but there are 79 podcasts that can be downloaded and listened to if you fancy it.  Maybe you can add them to your things to do on a rainy day list!

I read the book on a kindle, but it is also available in hardback. There are also loads of very positive reviews about it in the Amazon store too, so if you aren’t convinced to pick it up and read it yet, do take a look at other people's opinions.   

We'd love to hear what your favourite books about walking are. Tell us on facebook or in the comments box below.