Brian J Rance

A Midland Meander: A Circular Walk around the West Midlands

Following on from Brian’s escapades in South-East England, this ramble of 150 miles circumnavigates the West Midlands conurbation. Being closer to his home in Birmingham and partly undertaken over two Covid ravaged years, this walk is a testament to the author’s resilience and determination to complete the project. In this book, in travelogue style, Brian shares his experiences of walking around the built-up area in a clockwise direction.

Brian delights in sharing anecdotes with his readers gleaned from various observations and encounters on the journey. A Midland Meander is an examination of the geography, geology and landscape, the history, the people and places of this heart of England, ranging from the River Severn to the River Tame.

More than just a walking guide, this book, like his previous publications, is essential reading for walkers and lovers of the great outdoors. For those who can only sit at home, it is an opportunity to share in the experience and the author’s consuming interest in environmental issues shines through on every page.

Brian J. Rance lives in Kings Heath, Birmingham. He holds. Diploma in Town Planning from Oxford Brookes University and a master’s degree in social science from Birmingham University. His previous writing includes Finding My Place: Seven Long Distance Walks in Kent and East Sussex, Walking My Patch: Another seven journeys through Kent & East Sussex, A Journey Through South-East England: Broadstairs to Lewes and A Journey Through South-East England: Lewes to Woolwich (The Book Guild).

A Journey Through South-East England: Lewes to Woolwich

A Journey Through South-East England: Lewes to Woolwich follows on from Brian’s previous journey through South-East England from Broadstairs to Lewes (ISBN 9781912362431). This journey of around 100 miles, being part two of a mammoth trek through Kent and East Sussex, was also achieved just before his 70th birthday.

In this book, Brian shares his experiences of walking in three chapters: Lewes to Hartfield, Hartfield to Upnor and Upnor to Woolwich. Each chapter forms a travelogue and contains detailed route maps and cartoons commemorating some of the more amusing episodes.

Brian delights in sharing anecdotes with his readers gleaned from various observations and encounters on the way. This book is a celebration of the geography, geology and landscape, the history, people and places of this wonderful part of England.

More than just a walking guide, this book, like Brian’s previous publications, is essential reading for lovers of the great outdoors and those interested in conserving and developing our ever-changing landscapes.

Brian J. Rance lives in Birmingham.

A Journey Through South-East England: Broadstairs to Lewes

A Journey Through South-East England:Broadstairs to Lewes follows Brian’s latest walking adventures through the South-East of England. Brian has previously walked over 1,000 miles for his last two walking companion guide books, Finding My Place and Walking My Patch.

In this book, Brian shares the details of four complex walks: Broadstairs to Canterbury (a journey through East Kent), Canterbury to Bethersden (scaling the North Downs and across the Low Weald), Bethersden to Bexhill (straddling the County boundary) and Bexhill to Lewes (1066 Country, Beachy Head and The South Downs). Each walk contains a detailed guide and map of the route, and the walks celebrate the geography, geology and landscape of Southern England.

More than just a walking guide, A Journey Through South-East England is essential reading for lovers of the great outdoors and protectors of the diminishing landscape. Brian also delights readers with poetry along the way as his poems cover many of his observations during his walks.

Author Brian Rance lives in Kings Heath, Birmingham.