“Going Slow is a way of thinking, living, eating and being. It is also a sophisticated response to to unsophisticated, vacuous commercialism – the Slow Movement offering something that is life-affirming, rooted in a deep understanding of human needs.”
This introduces Sawdays excellent book ‘Slow Devon & Exmoor’ written by Hilary Bradt and jointly published by Bradt Guides. I love Devon, adore the Sawdays books and strongly relate to the Slow Movement, the ideals of which are incorporated into Quirky Travel. This book is a great combo for anyone of a like-mind.
It’s divided into easily accessible sections covering all parts of Devon, with lots of useful information, with the emphasis on encouraging us to slow down, take in the sights, sounds and inspiration that is Devon, whilst getting around with the environment and local inhabitants playing a key part.
One of my favourite parts of Devon is the North coast, having stayed many times at a friend’s chalet overlooking Woolacombe Bay. We base ourselves there to explore the various beaches, villages, tourist attractions and gentle countryside around. Woolacombe has had a revival recently, having gone from top seaside resort in the mid 20th century, to fuddy-duddysville towards the end, and now quite a ‘cool’ surfing centre. I was pleased to see that the book focused on the wonderful bays & beaches nearby rather than very crowded Woolacombe. Tiny Grunta next to Morte Bay gets a mention, as does little Lee “You could spend hours here investigating the pools, collecting pink quartz or walking up the fuchsia-lined footpath to the village and its delightful pub, the Grampus Inn.”
I love the insets sharing quirky tales, little known facts and folk tales, often written by local residents or from Hilary’s vast store of Devonian knowledge. The book is a joy to read from start to finish – whether you are travelling in mind, spirit or body. “Devonians know how to go slow; it’s we incomers and visitors who sometimes need a reminder or two.” As a Lake District ambassador I share that belief – and surely this book will gain many converts to a way of travel that is both sustainable and very, very enjoyable.
Rating: QQQQQ
From Zoë Dawes:
Someone has just asked me where the pub is – and we can’t remember! Maybe one too many beers there
Anyone who does know please tell us …
From Toby Sawday:
Thanks, Zoe, for your glittering review. It’s been an interesting departure for us. The hope was always that our places to stay, and the people who own them, are the right match for the deep, local knowledge of the Bradt authors. So, good to know it’s gone well! Any more feedback, do let us know via twitter @sawdays
From Zoë Dawes:
Thanks so much for your comments Toby. It’s always a delight to read your books and share them with others
From Donald Greig, Managing Director, Bradt Travel Guides:
Hi Zoe, can I add my thanks to Toby’s for your review. We’re delighted that you like Slow Devon and Exmoor. Our guides have promoted sustainable travel to overseas destinations for 37 years so we thought it was about time we turned our attention to the UK. The partnership with Sawday’s seemed just the right thing to do given our shared philosophy, and Hilary’s knowledge and writing go right to the heart of what slow travel is all about. In addition to the Devon guide there are also Slown Norfolk and Suffolk and Slow North Yorkshire. We’d be pleased to hear more feedback at either info@bradtguides.com or on twitter @bradtguides
From Zoë Dawes:
Thanks very much Donald. I had not come across your guides before and like your website – great philosophy which I share. I am getting Slow Guide to England so looking forward to reading that.
I spoke to your office recently to see if you are planning a Cumbria & Lake District Guide; I gather not at the moment. We are the home of the UK Slow Movement in my very biased opinion!! Should you decide to do one I’d be happy to collaborate – and if ever you are in the area happy to give you a personal Quirky Traveller Tour of the Lakes …
From Bev Richardson:
The pub is the Rising Sun at Lynmouth.
From Zoë Dawes:
Ah yes – thanks very much Bev. Now I remember the museum with pictures of a really bad flood years ago. Will tell person who asked.
From Liz Coles:
Sounds like an interesting series Zoe and of course living on a boat I know plenty about travelling slowly! The Bradt travel guides are known to me as their book about the Azores was the only one I could find about these fantastic islands and we used our copy to the full during the two years we were there. The Azores are definitely a place for slow travellers to visit as the pace of life in most of the islands is just so!
From Zoë Dawes:
Cheers Liz – you are the living embodiment of Slow & Quirky Travel! The Bradt Guides are a revelation & such good quality
Hope to see you sometime in The Canaries …
From Hilary Bradt:
Hi Zoe
It’s great to have a good review from someone knowledgeable about the subject! Thanks so much. One of the many rewards of writing this book – or any guidebook – is the chance to really get to know a place. I’m having a wonderful summer revisiting my favourite places more slowly than I was able to do when up against a deadline. Devon really is a gorgeous county!
By the way, I shall be talking about the book on Excess Baggage on Saturday, August 14, in case anyone feels like tuning in.
From Zoë Dawes:
Really appreciate your comment Hilary – you are an inspiration to all of us who aspire to quality travel writing and your guide books are so informative, helpful and – well, quirky! So agree about Devon – it’s almost as wonderful as Cumbria
Will certainly be listening to you on Excess Baggage this Saturday – be great to hear your interview with either Sandi T or John M. If ever you come up to the NW it would be my pleasure to share some of this area’s treasures with you …
From Zoë Dawes:
Just read this thought-provoking article about ‘Slow Travel’ from excellent writer Andy Jarosz. Always good to share ideas & exchange views on this subject.
http://www.501places.com/2010/09/why-i-struggle-with-slow-travel