On the Iron Road to the Isles


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Into the Peatlands


Book Description

The peatlands of the Outer Hebrides are half land, half water. Their surface is a glorious tweed woven from tiny, living sphagnums rich in wildlife, but underneath is layer upon layer of dead mosses transforming into the peat. One can, with care, walk out onto them, but stop and you begin to sink into them. For time immemorial the peatlands have been places – for humans at least – of seasonal habitation but not of constant residence. In this book Robin A. Crawford explores the peatlands over the course of the year, explaining how they have come to be and examining how peat has been used from the Bronze Age onwards. In describing the seasonal processes of cutting, drying, stacking, storing and burning he reveals one of the key rhythms of island life, but his study goes well beyond this to include many other aspects, including the wildlife and folklore associated with these lonely, watery places. Widening his gaze to other peatlands in the country, he also reflects on the historical and cultural importance that peat has played, and continues to play – it is still used for fuel in many rural areas and plays an essential role in whisky-making – in the story of Scotland.




West Highland Lines


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The railway lines of the West Highlands are famous the world over for their illustrious history and unparalleled scenic beauty. Linking Glasgow with Oban, Fort William and Mallaig, the lines managed to survive the axe of Dr Beeching, whose infamous report forced the closure of almost a third of Britain's railways in the 1960s. With a detailed look at the lines, their workings and rolling stock since then, Webster examines how the West Highland network has gone on to prosper to the present day. Despite Beeching, BR’s rationalisation, privatisation, fluctuating freight traffic levels and economic downturn, it retained its unique infrastructure in the modern age. Today the use of modern traction, together with the return of steam-hauled trains, has added yet another dimension to this wonderful scenic route.




Britain from the Rails


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"Including the nation's best-kept-secret railways"--Cover.




Scottish Highland Railways


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Scottish Highland Railways describes eight great journeys by rail through northern Scotland, detailing the history of the lines while travelling along their modern-day routes. In addition, the landscapes, regional history, stations and services available are all described. With over 100 present-day and archive photographs and maps, this book provides the histories of the railways of the east coast, the Grampian region, the highland main line and the Far North, West Highland and Oban, Mallaig and Kyle of Lochalsh lines. A railway company 'family tree' is given and a timeline documenting the many mergers and changes over time. The recent history of these railways in the 20th and 21st centuries is given along with a list of operational stations in 2020 together with passenger usage statistics. There are also details of rail organizations and regulations in Scotland.




The Comfort of Stone


Book Description

The Comfort of Stone is a collection of finely crafted free verse and lyrical poems that trace the author’s intimate recollections of her life experience and family history. The old stories told around the kitchen table become reality as personal journeys take Groundwater home to the historic landscapes of the Orkney Islands and the Scottish Highlands. Later, memories of a childhood immigration to Canada become touching and evocative poems set in “the new world.” As more pages of this amazing collection turn, Groundwater shares events in her life that readers may recognize as part of their own passages through adulthood and aging. This unique reading experience is woven together in a tapestry of images from the natural world which will at once delight and provoke thought and reflection.




Life on the Iron Road


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Blackwood's Magazine


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Scotland's Best Small Mountains


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A guidebook to 40 of the best small mountains in Scotland under 3000ft. Explore the beautiful scenery of Sutherland and the far north, Torridon, Lochaber, the Great Glen, the Cairngorms, Glencoe, Arrochar, the Trossachs and the islands (Skye, Eigg, Mull, Arran). The day walks range from 5-25km and can be enjoyed in 2-8 hours. One main ascent is described for each with several alternatives for traverses, circuits and shortcuts. 1:50,000 OS maps included for each walk Includes Suilven, Quinag, the Pap of Glencoe, Beinn Damh, the Storr, Goatfell and the Cobbler GPX files available to download Detailed guidance on planning and access Information given on the history and character of each mountain Glossary of Gaelic words for mountain features




Insight Guides Great Railway Journeys of Europe (Travel Guide eBook)


Book Description

Insight Guides: all you need to inspire every step of your journey. From deciding when to go, to choosing which routes to travel, this guide is all you need to plan your trip across Europe by rail, with in-depth insider information on the best journeys to make the most of this scenic continent. · Insight Guide Great Railway Journeys of Europe is ideal for travellers seeking immersive railway journeys across the continent · In-depth on the history of European train travel: enjoy special features on new technologies and station architecture, all written by local experts · Invaluable maps, train routes, travel tips and practical information ensure effortless planning, and encourage venturing off the beaten track · Inspirational colour photography throughout - Insight Guides is a pioneer of full-colour guide books · Inventive design makes for an engaging and inspiring reading experience About Insight Guides: Insight Guides is a pioneer of full-colour guide books, with almost 50 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides with user-friendly, modern design. We produce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps, as well as phrase books, picture-packed eBooks and apps to meet different travellers' needs. Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure.