Remote Britain relishes the ever-changing landscapes of our island and the people who grow out of them. And the constant surprises. Who, for example, would guess that some of England's remotest hilly walks are to be found in the Lincolnshire Wolds, how sharp are the contrasts to be found within the Isles of Scilly, how remote it is possible to feel in Essex, or how extraordinary is 'Yorkshire's teardrop', Spurn Point, way out in the Humber estuary? There is an abandoned railway even to that spot. As in his acclaimed Journey Through Britain, Mr Thomas finds remains of railways and even active steam trains in the most unlikely of places, stays in hotels to fall in love with or to hate, and is never short of people to express their own views, as he does colourfully himself in chapters such as 'In the Footsteps of the Queen Mother'. This thinking traveller's tour of some of Britain's most out-of-the-way places throws up many common themes. Populations are small but contented. The sea was the historic highway, opening up trade and bringing Christianity well before it reached most inland areas. The armed forces still command many areas of great scenery yet reductions in personnel have lessened employment, prospects in some particularly remote areas suh as the northern extremity of Britain, Unst with its unique history and way of life. In the National Parks and along the great cliffs of Upland Britain, the marshy areas and crumbling coastlines of the lowland east, and the surprising cut-off places in more central areas, Mr Thomas is fascinated by exotic historical touches and the ways people live and work. Here is a book to dip into, savour and refer to many times.
Industry Reviews
A fascinating romp through Britain with its snapshots of remote places... This is a great book to dip into for some armchair travelling or to spur you to get out there - if you need to escape that is. Orkney Today Thomas proves an enjoyable guide in this affable ramble through the least popular parts of the British Isles, sharing reflections and opinions on all manner of subjects as he tours places and attractions that are shunned by the more conventional, bucket-and-spade toting holiday hordes. Scottish Field The author has the charm of a curious man looking back over a long and busy life. His love of his subject matter is infectious. His blue remembered hills are, we are pleased to learn, still here for future generations to explore. Scotsman David St John Thomas is a writer fascinated by exotic historical touches and the way people live and work and throughout this book he spreads his enthusiasm of these to the reader... His honest approach and opinions are well received. Cornwall Today Reading it is rather like travelling round the British Isles with an entertaining and very knowlegeable guide who knows all the best spots to head for, and who provides a wealth of information about each stop along the way... With such a variety of subject matter, the book has something for readers of all ages and interests, and would form the ideal basis for a TV documentary with a difference. It is a volume to keep close at hand and delve into over and over again. Aberdeen Press & Journal Not so much a travel guide, more a story of one man's experiences while travelling in some of the more out of the way places, this book contains fascinating stories and constant surprises. Cornwall Life Finding local places mentioned in a book covering the whole country always adds extra spice to your reading. Hull Daily Mail Definitely a volume to be dipped into time and time again. As well as reflections on places and people, there is a lot about the nature of Britain and the British in the widest sense - a natural philosophy of our country if you like, and that is always something worth returning to. TGO: The Great Outdoors The general tone of 'Remote Britain' is the art of a popular travel book, light but not superficial, informative but not didactic. A book that will give pleasure to many, particularly railway enthusiasts, and is to be recommended. Friends of the National Railway Museum Such a delightfully distinctive guide heartily celebrates individuality in every guise, the emphasis placed on enjoying one's travels with less focus on the doing and more on the simply being; in itself, this reflects the book's contemplative spirit. Good Book Guide
