[Ad-gifted] As a born and bred West Country lass and a lover of all things cycling, Lost Lanes West by Jack Thurston practically leapt off the shelf and into my lap.
The book, from Wild Things Publishing, takes you on a freewheeling tour of the lost lanes and forgotten byways of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Avon and Wiltshire.
The latest addition to the best-selling series of cycling guidebooks features 36 rides, from gentle spins to weekend camping adventures. There are traffic-free paths along rivers and the coast, ancient trackways across chalk downs, and windswept climbs on Dartmoor and Exmoor.
Each route in the full-colour book is graded from easy to challenging and includes the best pubs, wild swims, tea stops and stunning viewpoints – as well as overnight stops. Plus, it has detailed mapping and route overviews, and links to downloadable GPX files and OS maps.
What I thought of the book
It was an absolute joy from start to finish. And it’s got me itching to get back in the saddle now spring is here and the days are getting longer (I must admit I’m more of a fair-weather cyclist).
The beautiful photographs alone are enough to inspire me to dust off my helmet and pump up my tyres.
I read the book from cover to cover, but the way it’s set out means you can pick and choose which chapters you dip into.
The author is clearly not just a keen cyclist, but also an enthusiast of the natural world and history. The book is peppered with fascinating facts about locations the routes pass through. I learned, for example, there were reports in the 18th century of a “mermaid” that had washed up on the beach at Burton Bradstock in Dorset. But, as Jack explains, this was possibly an off-course dugong (a marine mammal).
And like me, Jack is clearly not a fan of cycling on busy roads, so I love that he always strives to find routes that avoid the perils of traffic-clogged highways.
The book also has chapters on things like the practicalities of cycling, as well as sections devoted to the best routes for history, arts and culture, families, pubs, etc.
And Jack doesn’t shy away from warning the reader about the punishing hills in some parts of the West Country. In fact, when introducing the first route in Devon, he quotes the writer Arthur Norway: “It is no use to take a cycle into Devon unless one is prepared to work.”
But each route has helpful information about how challenging it is, the total ascent, the distance, and the terrain, so the reader is free to decide which ones suit their ability.
It’s also worth bearing in mind this book was published in 2018, so some of the pubs and cafes etc. may no longer be trading.
And I must admit the mentions about wild swimming do sound alarm bells, mostly because of the issues with water pollution that have made the headlines in more recent years.
But I can thoroughly recommend this book, not just to avid cyclists, but to anyone who is interested in the lost lanes across the West and their history.
And most importantly, Jack is all about people simply going out and experiencing the joy of cycling, whether they prefer getting tonnes of miles under their belt – or just exploring at a leisurely pace. (I know which camp I fit into!)
How much is the book and where can you buy it?
The paperback book is £19.99. To buy, click here.
About the Book
Title: Lost Lanes West
Publisher: Wild Things Publishing
ISBN: 978-1910636138
Pages: 256
About the author
Jack Thurston has a lifelong passion for exploring the countryside by bike. As presenter of The Bike Show podcast, he’s brought his affable and infectious enthusiasm for cycling to a worldwide audience. Jack’s articles have appeared in The Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph and many cycling magazines.
Review By Colette Warbrook
You may also want to read this:
April Gift Guide: For People Who Love Cycling
Book Review of All That’s Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien
Book Review of VanLifers: Beautiful Conversions for Life on the Road
*We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
16 comments
Such a great one if you’re planning to travel or explore more. I’m not a bike rider myself but I’d love to know more about the places and environment x
Agree, so much information in the book and worth knowing as well
Thank you for the book review. ‘Lost Lanes West’ would be a great gift for my brother who is a cycling fanatic.
How wonderful, this makes a lovely birthday present as well
I will grab the book! Reading your review, it seems very inspiring and energetic! I am very intrigued. Thanks a lot for the awesome review.
You are welcome, and glad our review is of help to you
I love the idea of following his biking adventures in a book like this. I’m a big fan of including pictures for reference of his adventure.
Such a good guide book especially if you are into cycling
The author’s personal connection to the region and passion for cycling shines through, making the book’s allure irresistible. With its diverse range of 36 rides, from leisurely jaunts to more adventurous expeditions, it promises to be a treasure trove for cyclists of all skill levels. The inclusion of detailed information on landmarks, pit stops, and accommodations adds practicality and enhances the overall experience.
Thank you Sue, you are spot on with your comments here
I like that it breaks down terrain and everything. This sounds like a good book investment.
Yes a fantastic book for cyclist
Sounds like a cool book for bike riders and a great gift idea for them too! I need to dust mine off and go for a ride now that the weather is nicer!
Such a great idea indeed
I set out on a journey with the book as my guide, pedaling through the serene landscapes of the West Country. I reveled in the freedom of the open road, each pedal stroke uncovering the rich tapestry of rural England. I returned with a renewed spirit, grateful for the hidden gems and tranquil paths that had led me to discover the beauty of simplicity and the joy of exploration.
Such beautiful words, thanks for the share