Lands End to John O'Groats with a Bus Pass and a Dog - Softcover

Newton, Eric

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1456796755 ISBN 13: 9781456796754

Publisher: Authorhouse UK, 2011

Synopsis

The book is an account of a journey using local service buses from Lands End in the deepest south west of England up to John O'Groats in the far north east of Scotland. With the issue of free bus passes to all British citizens over the age of sixty, the author decided to maximise the use of his in undertaking this 1,230 mile trip. By way of being different, the author decided to take with him, his dog Archie, a Jack Russell / cairn terrier cross, as he too enjoys travelling. The book is not just a travel log across and up the length of Britain, but includes much historical and general information of towns and cities visited with time taken at the various stop-over points to look around and explore. In addition to the exploits of the author's dog, the book contains his thoughts and observations during the journey. Some of these are referred to as "Rants" made on the author's own admission as being a "grumpy old man". The detailed planning and preparation of the trip is explained that deliberately took in many historic towns and cities. From Penzance, the route traverses England through Exeter, Bath Oxford, Leicester, Lincoln and then across the Humber and up the east coast by Scarborough, Durham, Newcastle and onto Berwick before crossing the border into Scotland. From here on, the bus journey followed the east coast through Edinburgh, over the Firth of Forth to Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Dornoch and Wick before reaching their final destination at John O'Groats. The book has been written in a light vein and contains an element of humour. Hopefully, the reader will become a little more knowledgeable about this historic and beautiful island of ours by the end. It is certainly true that "travel does broaden the mind".

About this title

About the Author

Although born and bred on Tyneside, Eric Newton has lived for some forty years in the cathedral City of Lincoln. Nevertheless, he is still proud of his Geordie roots. As a chartered civil engineer, albeit now retired, most of his working career was spent in the water supply sector managing the design and construction of major works projects. Travelling has always been a great interest and during the latter part of his career, the opportunity arose to visit and work in a number of countries that formed part of the former Soviet Union, advising on water supply matters. Interests also included fell walking especially in the Lake District and Scotland, together with rugby union in which he played up to his early fifties in the front row. Now in his early seventies with two replacement knees, these activities are a thing of the past. However he still enjoys travelling, having visited many places and countries around the world. Over recent years, Eric has made the most of his "oldies" concessionary bus pass, a benefit available to all UK citizens over the age of sixty, at least for the time being. Using the local service buses to travel to places not previously visited and accompanied by his dog Archie, a Jack Russell / cairn terrier cross, has been an enjoyable experience and has "broadened the mind". The trip from Lands End to John O'Groats via Berwick-upon-Tweed, was the first of a series of such bus journeys that he has planned and undertaken. Married with three children and two step-children, now all adults, he is finding that retired life is as busy as ever, albeit more enjoyable without the hassle and stress of having to work for a living. The old cliche about "not knowing how I found time to go to work" has been found to be so true.

Edition details

• Publisher: Authorhouse UK
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1456796755
• ISBN 13: 9781456796754
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 368