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The Old Ways

A Journey on Foot

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The Old Ways

By: Robert Macfarlane
Narrated by: Roy McMillan
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About this listen

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

SHORTLISTED FOR THE SAMUEL JOHNSON PRIZE

The original bestseller from the beloved author of UNDERLAND, LANDMARKS and THE LOST WORDS - Robert Macfarlane travels Britain's ancient paths and discovers the secrets of our beautiful, underappreciated landscape

'The Old Ways confirms Macfarlane's reputation as one of the most eloquent and observant of contemporary writers about nature' Scotland on Sunday

Following the tracks, holloways, drove-roads and sea paths that form part of a vast ancient network of routes criss-crossing the British Isles and beyond, Robert Macfarlane discovers a lost world - a landscape of the feet and the mind, of pilgrimage and ritual, of stories and ghosts; above all of the places and journeys which inspire and inhabit our imaginations.

'Sublime . . . It sets the imagination tingling, laying an irresistible trail for readers to follow' Sunday Times

'Read this and it will be impossible to take an unremarkable walk again' Metro

'He has a rare physical intelligence and affords total immersion in place, elements and the passage of time: wonderful' Antony Gormley

 Europe Great Britain Hiking Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Science Travel Writing & Commentary Walking Haunted Sailing

Critic reviews

A wonderful book: Macfarlane has a rare physical intelligence, and his writing affords total immersion in place, elements and the passage of time (Antony Gormley)
A naturalist who can unfurl a sentence with the breathless ease of a master angler, a writer whose ideas and reach far transcend the physical region he explores
[Mountains of the Mind is] a distinguished book that jolted my heart. Adventurous, passionate, intensely romantic . . . fizzes with insights (Roger Deakin)
A new naturalist to set beside the classics in our literature
The Old Ways confirms Robert Macfarlane's reputation as one of the most eloquent and observant of contemporary writers about nature
Macfarlane relishes wild, as well as old, places. He writes about both beautifully . . . I love to read Macfarlane
Read this and it will be impossible to take an unremarkable walk again
All stars
Most relevant
It took me a little while to get used to the 'voice' of this book. Very descriptive, reflective, introspective, I'm not sure how best to describe it. It conjured some rich word pictures but at times it seemed to require too much concentration and I'm sure I missed some of the detail. I don't want to be over negative; It did keep my interest and I really enjoyed the journey.

Not easy but worth the effort.

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Could have done without the literature review at the beginning (first hour or so) but once this is dispensed with the author explores the concept of "old ways" in a fascinating and literary manner. Part adventure, part travelogue, part natural science. Hard to define, very enjoyable.

Thoughtful and insightful

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This works wonderfully as an audiobook because its great to actually be walking whilst listening to this book on the many and varied joys and inspirations of walking. His writing weaves history, folklore, personal experience and poetry in a wonderful way. To me, it is an absolute high water mark!

I've been utterly enchanted by this audiobook

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A beautiful look at spending time on your feet, exploring the countryside and reflecting on life. As always, a perfect mix of place and history woven together.

Relaxing rambling

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A wonderful thought provoking step into incredible journeys on foot. Whether you love to walk or just love the thought of striding through nature . Loved it.

A must read/listen

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