South Devon & Dartmoor (Slow Travel)


Book Description

This new, thoroughly updated third edition of South Devon and Dartmoor is part of Bradt’s distinctive ‘Slow Travel’ series of guides to UK regions, offering in-depth exploration of one of England’s most popular areas. Written by resident experts Hilary Bradt, the late Janice Booth, and Gill and Alistair Campbell, it remains the essential companion to discovering not just the obvious and well-known sites, but also for getting off the beaten track and understanding what makes this gorgeous part of the country tick. Much of the information in Bradt’s South Devon and Dartmoor has appeared in no other guidebook (apart from previous editions of this book) as the authors uncover the lesser-known charms of the region, as well as different aspects of the more popular places (from the English Riviera and South Hams to Salcombe and Dartmoor), together with colourful characters from the past, folk history and literary links from Agatha Christie to Arthur Conan Doyle. The guide has a special emphasis on car-free travel: walking (this edition features a revised selection of routes, including ‘miles without stiles’ – accessible Dartmoor walks), cycling and river boats, as well as local buses (including the new Dartmoor Explorer service) and trains. This edition has a stronger emphasis on local food (both in markets and when eating out), while the authors have updated their hand-picked suggestions for places to eat and drink, and for accommodation (from idyllically located campsites to boutique B&Bs, via caravans, treehouses and haunted coaching inns). Colourful and witty writing, along with the authors’ enthusiasm for their subject, makes the guide a pleasure to read. With Bradt’s South Devon and Dartmoor, discover the region’s award-winning gin distillery and new whisky distillery; learn what really goes on at a wassail gathering; find out what you should do if you're harassed by pixies on Dartmoor; and discover unique local events like the annual Orange Race held in Totnes. Also included are entertaining and informative stories about historical characters and folklore, while small and historic village churches, with their idiosyncratic saints and intriguing carvings, are described in loving detail.




Death Comes to Dartmoor


Book Description

The mist-shrouded moors of Devon proffer a trove of delights for two vacationing zoologists—but also conceal a hoard of dark secrets reaching down to the fathomless depths of the ocean. Miss Merula Merriweather barely saved her uncle from the gallows after he was wrongly accused of murder—and now, she’s left the bustle of Victorian London to recuperate in the fresh air of Dartmoor with her fellow zoologist, Lord Raven Royston. The trip offers a unique treat, as they’ll be staying with a friend of Raven’s, who owns a collection of rare zoological specimens—including a kraken, a sea monster of myth and legend. But all is not right in the land of tors, heaths, and mist. Their host’s maid has vanished without a trace, and the townspeople hold him responsible, claiming that his specimens are alive and roam the moors at night, bringing death to anyone who crosses their path. Merula and Raven are skeptical—but the accusations become more ominous when they find several specimen jars empty. As the two hunt for clues across a desolate and beautiful landscape, a stranger appears bearing a shadowy secret from Merula’s past. Could there be a connection between her family history, the missing girl, and a fearsome monster that could be on the loose? The race is on to find the truth.




Walking on Dartmoor


Book Description

A guidebook to 39 day walks and one two-day Ten Tors challenge across the Dartmoor National Park and its surrounding area. The guide contains low-level shorter walks and higher level more strenuous and challenging routes, therefore there's a walk suitable for all abilities, allowing you to explore all of what Devon's national park has to offer. Each walk contains a detailed route description, 1:50,000 OS maps and colour photography, alongside practical information on public transport links and refreshment stops on each walk. Dartmoor, a National Park since 1951, is wild, and at times isolated. Its a land of blanket bogs and grass moors dotted with fascinating tors, old stone clapper bridges, tree-shaded river valleys and a diverse range of wildlife. Our ancestors have left behind a fascinating treasure trove from intriguing stone rows to fascinating stones circles and burial cairns to hut circles. There are also the stark ruins of Dartmoor's mining heritage, picturesque villages and hamlets that are home to interesting old churches and cosy pubs. You'll be able to stand on High Willhays which, at 621m (2039 ft), is not only a mountain, but also the highest point in Southern England. On a clear day from many of Dartmoor's summits there are great views out over Devon's rural landscape and west into Cornwall to Bodmin Moor.




All the Tors


Book Description

Dartmoor. 119 tors over 10 days. 300km. Solo. "Never did I imagine that I would have trouble finding the tors. This was supposed to be an endurance challenge, not a navigational one." To mark Dartmoor Rescue's 50th Anniversary and her 25th year on the planet, Emily Woodhouse sets out on a solo expedition across Dartmoor. Boldly independent, she should have all the experience she needs from Dartmoor Rescue, mountain leading and 15 years of living on the moors. Although she has never walked so far for so long or wild camped alone before. Never mind that she can barely lift her over-packed rucksack. But when horrendous weather sets in, Emily realises that a pleasantly strenuous challenge has turned into a survival mission. Battling forwards against the elements, she crosses the backdrop of her childhood, haunted by feeling so connected to this landscape and yet still being an outsider. As the tor count clocks up, Emily wrestles with the rules she's set herself and the fine line between strong willed and stupid. Expect fog, bog and a personal journey towards belonging.




Daughter of the River


Book Description

A poignant family saga perfect for fans of Janet Tanner, Grace Thompson and Nadine Dorries Maddy Shillabeer’s prospects are limited. As the only woman in a household of men, in a town with precious few romantic possibilities, she’s resigned herself to a life of familial duty. That is, until the arrival of mysterious stranger Patrick Howard. It’s clear Patrick has seen a world Maddy can only imagine and as she’s awed by his charm and beguiling tongue. In no time at all Patrick has skillfully climbed the social pecking order in Duncannon...and worked his way into Maddy Shillabeer’s heart! The Devon Sagas To Dream Again A Safe Haven Daughter of the River




The Diana Rivers Mysteries - Volume Two


Book Description

Welcome to the 2nd Diana Rivers, Mystery Suspense Murder Boxed Set featuring the fourth, fifth and six books in the bestselling series, ‘Camera Action Murder, ‘CHILDHUNT! and ‘A Deadly Learning.’ All three books feature our heroine Diana Rivers - writer, sometime actor and amateur sleuth. Diana loves nothing more than getting embroiled in the middle of a mystery – especially one which involves MURDER! Camera Action Murder! Diana Rivers hadn't intended to visit England that summer but the invitation to take part in a film-shoot seemed too exciting an opportunity to miss. Life had been quiet for the last year or so & she looked forward to renewing old friendships and meeting a handful of well-known film stars. The only possible fly in the ointment was the venue. Years before, Diana had suffered a terrifying experience in England - an encounter which she thought she'd resolved. Reassuring her partner Steve all was well & that terrifying episode was behind them, she went ahead & confirmed their acceptance. Little did she know that the filming was only a minor part of the show as she is drawn into events which threaten to spiral out of control. When a beautiful young actress is accidentally killed, Diana's thoughts are opposite to everyone else’s. Was it an accident or ...MURDER? A second body leaves everyone reeling - this time there is no doubt. A callous and vicious murderer is at large. Diana is fast embroiled in discovering the hard facts, not knowing she is placing herself in great danger. Watch out Diana! You could be next... CHILDHUNT! Two weeks before Christmas. The villagers of Agios Mamas, in Cyprus, are preparing for the season's festivities. Without warning terror strikes the heart of the sleepy little village. Two small children disappear without trace and a frantic search is called. Who has targeted and stalked the family for the last six years; knowing their every move? What is the kidnappers' ultimate goal? Will local author and amateur sleuth, Diana Rivers and visiting CID Police Chief Inspector, Adam Lovell find the children in time? Join Diana and her friends as they try to unravel the horrific nightmare which has hit the village. A Deadly Learning. When author and private investigator, Diana Rivers travels to Portugal for a holiday, murder is the last thing on her mind. On the first day of her visit, nothing bodes well at the International College of Portugal when a woman's body is found interred behind a wall during renovation work. The striped plastic tape around the crime-scene portrays a sense of unease. What with students practicing sexual rituals in the sand dunes, a suspicion of a drug factory and money laundering plus a rash of killings, her plans for a quiet break go awry. Diana is in her element.




A VINTNER'S TALE


Book Description

I find it interesting that when I talk to some of my grandchildren about what they are learning at school, I have been told that in history they have been learning about the Second World War. I count myself very lucky that I am of a generation that has not had to suffer the sacrifices that my parents had to in living through two world wars. When I read the history of the First World War it has many descriptions of the hardship, rationing and shortages experienced at the end of that conflict and I can relate with what I read as we had the same experience in the first twelve years of my life with rationing and shortages in the Second World War. So my story begins with quite a few pages about that. I have included all my diary entries written on board HMS Bulwark. I had not read these diaries since I wrote them fifty five years ago but there are some interesting insights into the mind of a naïve insecure nervous National Service conscript along with some interesting descriptions of some of the places around the world we went to. The rest of the story is of my two loves, my family and the building of a successful business in the wine trade.







The River


Book Description

Set in the wilds of Dartmoor, a simple warrener falls in love with a girl who does not understand his ways, and so she then marries another.




The Woman's World


Book Description