55 555 WALKS
by ROBERT SWAIN

Published by Yan Press, 2001, paperback,
248pp, price £10.99

Fifty five "very varied walks'
from the 555 bus route from Lancaster to Keswick

That, from the book's back cover, sums up the enigmatically-titled book very neatly. There are indeed 55 different walks of varying difficulty, length and interest, all of which can be enjoyed by simply hopping onto the 555 Stagecoach bus – "one of the longest stage-carriage service in the country,' says Swain - and getting off where the fancy or, better still, this book takes you.

Starting at Lancaster, the walks begin at the bus's stopping points as it progresses northwards, including Bolton-le-Sands, Carnforth, Milnthorpe, Levens Bridge, Kendal, Windermere, Grasmere, Thirlmere Dam and Keswick itself (You can download a PDF copy of the 555 bus timetable by clicking here).

Careful, copious detail
Each walk is classified as being from ‘moderate' to ‘hard', and there are approximate distances and time allowed for each one too. Not only that, there are straightforward directions, illustrative photographs, useful and clear hand-drawn maps for each one. The text is interspersed with some useful historical, topographical and other background details.

These, in common with the other features of this excellent little pocket-sized book, are carefully researched, lucidly presented and clearly the result of the writer's passion - for the walking he so clearly enjoys (and wants his readers to share), for attention to detail, for the countryside he obviously loves.

Although it is four years since it was published, there have, as one might expect, been very few changes to his subject matter, given the usual proviso and warnings about rights of way. New and recent developments on the northern parts of the Lancaster Canal are one instance of positive change. I am certainly looking forward to the final and complete restoration of the northern reaches – no doubt Robert Swain is too.

An excellent companion for the walker, young or old
I can think of no better vade mecum for anyone (like myself and the author) who does not have a car. And even if you do, this is a much ‘greener', more considerate way to make expeditions like this. You can call for a beer or glass of wine with your lunch or early supper after you've worked up that appetite.

You know it makes sense. Go and enjoy.

Copyright © 6 February 2005 Michael Nunn

Donload a PDF copy off the 555 bus timetable here

This book was sponsored by Stagecoach North West.
50p from each copy of the book sold will be forwarded to the Cumbria Community Recovery Fund for work in the county following the Foot and Mouth Disease and, more recently, the severe flooding.

55 555 Walks is available in Waterstones, Tourist Information Centres, local museums and galleries, and local booksellers (please support them!).

The book is also available by post from :

10 The Nook
Bolton-Le-Sands
CARNFORTH
Lancashire
LA5 8DR
The cost is £10.99 (cheque payable to Yan Press), and this includes postage and packing.