What do you think?
Rate this book
The Beacon Bike: Around England and Wales in 327 Lighthouses
The incredible story of a 3,500-mile cycle ride to explore the onshore and offshore lighthouses around the coastline of England and Wales, proving that a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis doesn't mean giving up on a lifelong dream.The Beacon Bike is the inspirational tale of one man's quest to fulfil the promise he made to himself as a small child, nestled in the bed of an attic room while the glow of Dungeness lighthouse flashed past his window - a comforting, ever-present companion. It is also a loving tribute to the coast; not only its beautiful landscape, but also the communities that make it so special. It celebrates the generosity of spirit found in people around the the country, as well as the history of the iconic lights that brighten their world. This journey is a testament to the joy of life's simple pleasures. A warm welcome at the end of a long day. The fire of a child's imagination, rekindled in later life. The power of a light that pierces the darkness.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published July 24, 2024
12 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 25, 2024
this is a travelogue of a guy who has MS and his cycling journey to visit lighthouses around England & Wales. enjoyed the detail about each lighthouse he visits along this journey.
August 12, 2024
I thought this was a sweet book as I love anyone that has an enthusiasm for something. The parts where there are stories about historical lighthouse keepers and the author's honest account of his ups and downs with ME were the most interesting for me. In places it could be a bit dry but in fairness it must be hard to keep it varied when there's so many lighthouses.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review
July 26, 2024
"The Beacon Bike: Around England and Wales in 327 Lighthouses" by Edward Peppit is an ambitious travelogue that follows the author's journey across the British Isles on a bike, visiting an impressive number of historic lighthouses along the way. While the premise is intriguing and the subject matter inherently engaging, the end result is a somewhat uneven and disjointed reading experience.
Peppit's writing shines brightest when he is vividly describing the breathtaking coastal landscapes, architectural details of the lighthouses, and the unique characters he encounters throughout his travels. His passion for these historic beacons is palpable, and he does an admirable job of weaving in fascinating historical tidbits and tales of the lighthouse keepers of yesteryear.
However, the narrative structure often feels meandering and lacking in a cohesive throughline. The transitions between locations and anecdotes can feel abrupt, and the author's voice can be inconsistent, oscillating between engaging travelogue and overly dry, factual recounting. Additionally, the inclusion of so many individual lighthouses, while impressive, can sometimes overwhelm the reader and make it difficult to retain a clear sense of the larger journey.
Fans of travel writing and lighthouse enthusiasts may find much to appreciate in Peppit's detailed accounts and obvious expertise on the subject matter. But for readers seeking a more polished and compelling narrative arc, "The Beacon Bike" may prove to be an uneven and at times tedious read. It's a book that showcases the author's deep knowledge and love of his subject, but could have benefited from a more focused and compelling storytelling approach.
Peppit's writing shines brightest when he is vividly describing the breathtaking coastal landscapes, architectural details of the lighthouses, and the unique characters he encounters throughout his travels. His passion for these historic beacons is palpable, and he does an admirable job of weaving in fascinating historical tidbits and tales of the lighthouse keepers of yesteryear.
However, the narrative structure often feels meandering and lacking in a cohesive throughline. The transitions between locations and anecdotes can feel abrupt, and the author's voice can be inconsistent, oscillating between engaging travelogue and overly dry, factual recounting. Additionally, the inclusion of so many individual lighthouses, while impressive, can sometimes overwhelm the reader and make it difficult to retain a clear sense of the larger journey.
Fans of travel writing and lighthouse enthusiasts may find much to appreciate in Peppit's detailed accounts and obvious expertise on the subject matter. But for readers seeking a more polished and compelling narrative arc, "The Beacon Bike" may prove to be an uneven and at times tedious read. It's a book that showcases the author's deep knowledge and love of his subject, but could have benefited from a more focused and compelling storytelling approach.
May 28, 2024
Full of charm, engaging observation and interesting history. A thoroughly enjoyable tour, seen through the lens of lighthouse enthusiasm.
January 6, 2026
It's been my bedside read for 6 months, easy to read in daily bulletins of Ed's trip around the Coast. A really interesting read not only about Lighthouses but about the areas as well! Funny in places and nice to hear of some of the lovely people Ed met on his journey, I recommend this for the historical contents and also the info if you are looking for somewhere a little different to visit.
September 18, 2025
Lovely read, didn’t know there were so may lighthouses, also an example of determination despite illness🎉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews