Tramping, the gentle art

[boatman]

Just rediscovered a gem of a book I knew of years ago. Published in 1927, The Gentle Art of Tramping by Graham Stephen, is both an expression of the joys of the open road and a description of the world that vanished in depression and war. As an introduction try another book, one of snatches from books on walking from Roman to the times of the writer, Morris Marples, Shank's Pony. If that does not restore a desire to step out onto Tolkien's dangerous highway I do not know what will.

Stephen walks across Europe, sounds simple and it is but enjoyable.

 

[Drain Bamaged]

I think he is generally called Stephen Graham (though I have seen a couple of his books with the name Graham Stephen Graham) but a search under the former name may surprise you as to how many 'travel' books he wrote, he certainly led an interesting life.

D.B.

 

[boney gumbo mcgee]

I love this book, its where I borrowed my avatar from, about due for a re read, cheers.

 

[boney gumbo mcgee]

Just rediscovered a gem of a book I knew of years ago. Published in 1927, The Gentle Art of Tramping by Graham Stephen, is both an expression of the joys of the open road and a description of the world that vanished in depression and war. As an introduction try another book, one of snatches from books on walking from Roman to the times of the writer, Morris Marples, Shank's Pony. If that does not restore a desire to step out onto Tolkien's dangerous highway I do not know what will.

Stephen walks across Europe, sounds simple and it is but enjoyable.

Thanks for the reccomendation of Morris Marples, Shank's Pony. Will give that a go.

 

[Tiley]

Isn't 'tramping' what the Kiwis call 'backpacking'?

 

[redneck]

Bought the tramping book on Kindle and am about half way through and find it more of a geography lesson than a narrative of the open road, not greatly impressed I'm afraid.

 

[boatman]

Sorry about that, each to their own.

 

[bigbear]

In similar vein is Always a little further by Alastair Borthwick, always makes me want to pack bag and just set out. Perhaps one day I will.
Actually, given the last few months ( younger brother had a massive stroke at 50, two thefts from our shed of bikes, the second after I reinforced it, my car driven into twice, hassle at work to name a few) it's as well I married and have a cat, or I probably would have. A bothy somewhere sounds very enticing right now.