New Publication – “Walking in the Footsteps of an Edwardian”
The Colne Valley Regional Park has published a new walking guide, Walking in the Footsteps of an Edwardian, based on Stephen Springall’s 1907 Country Rambles Round Uxbridge, which reflects on the landscape changes in the past 100 years – from gravel extraction, motorways, and housing development – Springall’s landscape has changed beyond recognition in some cases.
Stephen Springall was a man who loved a walk and many of his rambles passed through the now Colne Valley Regional Park. He thought nothing of walking 20 miles in a day and then leaving the reader to find a bus or a train home! Walking in the Footsteps of an Edwardian has ‘translated’ some his walks into the present for you to enjoy. Interwoven with quotes from Stephen Springall’s Country Rambles Round Uxbridge, photographs and artwork, illustrations of the current OS map of the walk and a corresponding historic map showing the landscape Springall would have ramble across and Points of Interests this book strives to bring a glimpse of the Colne Valley Regional Park’s history and heritage in a changing landscape.
As Springall states in his original book “Immutability is decidedly not the chief characteristic of this world, and hence we find many changes to be continually occurring. Rural conditions often change…” and all these walks are clear examples of that, but many beautiful and interesting parts remain. However, the change continues so taking an ordnance survey map of the area with you is always recommended.
Stephen Springall
Purchase a copy and support the Colne Valley Regional Park
Books can be purchased at the Colne Valley Park Visitor Centre in Denham Country Park for only £6.
If you are a member of the Friends of Colne Valley Park you can get a £3 discount.
If you wish to purchase the book online please visit our shop (cost is £8 to include postage).
All proceeds go to continued support of the Colne Valley Park Trust and Groundwork South Trust.
Click here to learn more about the six objectives of the Colne Valley Regional Park.
Below you can see an example of a Walk 3 in the book – Iver, Huntsmoor, Langley Park Walk
Click on the pictures to make them larger
