'Every one of us knows the moment when the simple act of putting one foot in front of another stops being a method of propulsion and becomes an adventure.'

In this hilarious and heart-warming collection of essays, writer and broadcaster Stuart Maconie reflects on a life spent exploring the British countryside on foot. From the splendour of the Pennines and the Lake District to the drama of the Dorset coast; from the canals of the Midlands to wildest Scotland, this book is an attempt to explain a passion for walking and the delights it can bring.

Never Mind the Quantocks features over 50 insightful, witty and entertaining articles, including festive walks, Lakeland favourites and pub treks. Culled from his monthly column in Country Walking magazine, this collection is full of the beautiful places, magical moments and wonderful characters that Stuart has encountered on his travels. It describes such intrepid adventures as taking on the famous 'Wainwright' Fells of the Lake District, walking Hadrian's Wall with colleague Mark Radcliffe, and why the most important things to carry in a rucksack are a transistor radio and a small bottle of wine.