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Just Off For A Walk
What happens when a 37-year-old office worker, who exercises marginally less than the average cheese sandwich, decides to walk 630 miles of challenging coastline in one go? Will he go on an epic voyage of self-discovery... or just get really knackered? Find out the answers to these important questions, and many more, by joining him on a grand adventure that takes in 26,719 steps, 921 stiles, 302 bridges, 91,000 feet of climbing and descending, 1 seal, 0 basking sharks, lots of chips and 1 overweight, oversized backpack.
170 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2018
78 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Reynolds
8 books24 followersStephen Reynolds began writing with a bestselling series of travel books about long-distance hiking. His debut novel, The Layers, was published by Valley Press in 2021. A story about the disparate versions of ourselves and what happens when we lose them. Darling Sorrow is his second novel and is published by the Book Guild in 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 1, 2018
Stephen Reynolds takes on the challenge walking 630 miles on the South Western Coastal Path. His account is incredibly humorous, especially his observations about the golfing community! It's a fantastic light hearted read and I look forward to reading his next book!!
The audio version of this book is brilliant!
The audio version of this book is brilliant!
November 1, 2018
Great read!
I really enjoyed this book. I myself am originally from Somerset. I have been to several of these places in the book and they are very beautiful. I also suffer from insomnia and walking does tire one out. Maybe I could walk the South West coastal path one day. I look forward to more great reads from this author. Well done Stephen! Keep it up!💪👌
I really enjoyed this book. I myself am originally from Somerset. I have been to several of these places in the book and they are very beautiful. I also suffer from insomnia and walking does tire one out. Maybe I could walk the South West coastal path one day. I look forward to more great reads from this author. Well done Stephen! Keep it up!💪👌
May 18, 2019
At about 60% through, this one's going on the Did Not Finish pile. Perhaps, it might've worked better as a print book; effete narration struck me as a definite minus. Truly baffled at reviews stating this book as "humorous" let alone "hilarious"?
July 26, 2021
A memoir of the author"s 630 mile walk of the South Western Coastal Path, which he completed in 2 months.
February 9, 2018
Absolutely Brilliant! I walked every step with the author, I marvelled at the views, I felt the weight of the backpack and had conversations with Rolly. I ate a few Mars Bars and drank a few beers. This walk took over my life for four days and I cried with the author at the end. Highly recommended to anyone remotely interested in walking and/or the South West.
October 25, 2017
Turquoise porpoise
Great tale of herring do
Mines a pint and pepparami pls
That pack is just silly
Go on
You know you want to
Great tale of herring do
Mines a pint and pepparami pls
That pack is just silly
Go on
You know you want to
April 18, 2018
What a walk
Envious indeed,but I knew what Stephen fell in love with,the simple being alive in natural surroundings ,the call,the pull . His passion for his adventure could be felt in his telling of this epic walk. His disappointment when he had to venture back into 'real life's ' his joy when he conquered the hills,the cliffs,the wind and rain. His enthusiasm that grew with his everyday,going from an almost 40 something stressed out couch lover to a raring to go relisher of whatever came his way. Loved it ,so much so I had trouble putting it down ! A bit repetitive in some descriptions but hey ,it's the adventure that stands out .
Envious indeed,but I knew what Stephen fell in love with,the simple being alive in natural surroundings ,the call,the pull . His passion for his adventure could be felt in his telling of this epic walk. His disappointment when he had to venture back into 'real life's ' his joy when he conquered the hills,the cliffs,the wind and rain. His enthusiasm that grew with his everyday,going from an almost 40 something stressed out couch lover to a raring to go relisher of whatever came his way. Loved it ,so much so I had trouble putting it down ! A bit repetitive in some descriptions but hey ,it's the adventure that stands out .
May 23, 2018
A most enjoyable read
I'm not a big walker myself but I know various parts of the SWCP due to various holidays I had in the area over the years. It would have been nice to have read a little more about the town's and villages visited on Stephen's travels but this is my only (small) criticism. I'm not a huge reader, so the fact that I read this book in its entirety and enjoyed reading about Stephen's travels speaks volumes.
I'm not a big walker myself but I know various parts of the SWCP due to various holidays I had in the area over the years. It would have been nice to have read a little more about the town's and villages visited on Stephen's travels but this is my only (small) criticism. I'm not a huge reader, so the fact that I read this book in its entirety and enjoyed reading about Stephen's travels speaks volumes.
December 20, 2017
Very inspiring
As someone who had written my own book, then send rejected and has just quit their own world of corporate finance boredom and searching for something far more rewarding then just a pay check each month I can totally resonate with Stephen and his adventures. Well done on the 630 miles, here's to more adventuring for you 👍
As someone who had written my own book, then send rejected and has just quit their own world of corporate finance boredom and searching for something far more rewarding then just a pay check each month I can totally resonate with Stephen and his adventures. Well done on the 630 miles, here's to more adventuring for you 👍
January 4, 2018
Must get out and explore
Talk about taking on a challenge, congratulations on completing this journey. Being a Hartland maid it has made me want to pull on my walking boots and go out and experience some of the areas mentioned myself. Two words missing from the over used words section 1) Mars-bar 2) Sea gull. Would recommend to all couch potatoes 😀
Talk about taking on a challenge, congratulations on completing this journey. Being a Hartland maid it has made me want to pull on my walking boots and go out and experience some of the areas mentioned myself. Two words missing from the over used words section 1) Mars-bar 2) Sea gull. Would recommend to all couch potatoes 😀
October 9, 2018
A lovely armchair trip around the SWCP
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, particularly as we have visited many of the places along the way. I laughed aloud at some of the author's "plonkerish" moments and loved how he appreciated the simplicity of the coastal paths and their offerings. There is always a feeling of being whole again when in the company of the mighty sea.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, particularly as we have visited many of the places along the way. I laughed aloud at some of the author's "plonkerish" moments and loved how he appreciated the simplicity of the coastal paths and their offerings. There is always a feeling of being whole again when in the company of the mighty sea.
October 5, 2017
5 stars ! Has completed something I would really like to do ! Quite vivid and descriptive and is almost a guide in of itself ! He did it the hard way with no transfers and heavy bag but had the money to make it comfortable in the evenings !
Read
February 26, 2018Funny informative read
I really enjoyed this book Stephen has a relaxed easy going writing style. With lots of humour and useful advice about walking the SWCP. I know which sections I want to walk first.
I really enjoyed this book Stephen has a relaxed easy going writing style. With lots of humour and useful advice about walking the SWCP. I know which sections I want to walk first.
May 13, 2018
I struggled to understand who this book is actually written for. The author just seems to make and endless sequence of lame jokes, laugh at his own jokes, and then humble-brag to the reader as to the quality of his humour.
November 9, 2018
Fabulous read
Loved Stephen Reynolds matter of fact approach and sense of humor. Beautifully written descriptions of his adventures and the profound personal changes . Loved every word
Loved Stephen Reynolds matter of fact approach and sense of humor. Beautifully written descriptions of his adventures and the profound personal changes . Loved every word
February 5, 2018
Cracking stroll by the sea
A very enjoyable well written, gentle yet engaging amble through the writers mind and exploits on the South West coast path.
A very enjoyable well written, gentle yet engaging amble through the writers mind and exploits on the South West coast path.
February 12, 2018
Fantastic!
I loved this one, great stories and a brilliant sense of humor. I will definitely want to read another of Stephens books soon.
I loved this one, great stories and a brilliant sense of humor. I will definitely want to read another of Stephens books soon.
April 7, 2018
Easy, comfortable book to read. Will be enjoyed by all who like reading and walking.
May 8, 2018
Walking the SWCT
Very interesting account of walking England's South West Coast Trail! I live in the U.S. and had never heard of this trail.
Very interesting account of walking England's South West Coast Trail! I live in the U.S. and had never heard of this trail.
September 20, 2018
I read this in one go and I almost cried at the end... I feel like I need to get out there and do it now. Will be recommending this to everyone.
August 1, 2021
Cheerful chap walks SW coastal path. Easy to read, good descriptions, followed with OS app. An arduous walk through very varied landscapes with numerous climbs and descents but he kept the reader interested throughout.
August 8, 2020
I loved this book. The travel writings of an unfit young man walking the South West coast Path. Due to the pandemic and me needing a hip replacement it was lovely to vicariously walk the walk with him. I enjoyed his writing style, not as funny as early Bill Bryson but better than Brysons later works. I admire anyone who can keep walking day after day, for 630 miles, carrying a massive backpack. His descriptive style ensured you felt like you were there, even if he did think he used some words repeatedly. I would have liked a map to refer to. (I was reading the kindle edition) but it was easy enough to consult google maps which provided the basics. Looking forward to reading his other books.
Oh and another criticism, he ate too many chips 🙈🙈
Oh and another criticism, he ate too many chips 🙈🙈
November 5, 2017
The South West Coastal Path is quite a challenge, especially for an inexperienced hiker. That's exactly what Stephen Reynolds was before he began this trek. His account of his travels start with him from a novice who packs too much, and end with him loving every step. His narration is heartwarming and funny, and the book makes for a fantastic light read.
January 15, 2019
A hilarious account of one man's hike through 630 miles of stunning Cornish countryside. Snag some Mars bars and read this. It's well worth it!
But seriously. It's not as deep, thoughtful, or picturesque as The Last Hillwalker, but it was an encouraging push to get me out the door and walk about.
4/5 stars.
But seriously. It's not as deep, thoughtful, or picturesque as The Last Hillwalker, but it was an encouraging push to get me out the door and walk about.
4/5 stars.
April 16, 2019
Brilliant!
Loved every minute of this book. Has really inspired me to dig out my walking boots (which I have done and booked a week in Cornwall). I hope Mr Reynolds has walked some more.. Would recommend this to everyone, especially to the likes of myself, living in The Midlands 👍
Loved every minute of this book. Has really inspired me to dig out my walking boots (which I have done and booked a week in Cornwall). I hope Mr Reynolds has walked some more.. Would recommend this to everyone, especially to the likes of myself, living in The Midlands 👍
April 16, 2020
A brilliant book which had me so many times nodding and saying "Yep... that's exactly what I had done ". I'd never really heard of the south west coastal path before because being from the "north" im biased towards the walks of Yorkshire etc. But this opened my eyes to something I may want to do. Just maybe not with a load of Mars Bars and salami snacks.
May 27, 2020
A great read
Read this in one sitting. It was funny, sad and entertaining all at the same time. You don't have to think too much about what the author wants to tell you and I found myself identifying with a lot of his experiences. I honestly couldn't put it down. Going to read another of his books now.
Top job!
Read this in one sitting. It was funny, sad and entertaining all at the same time. You don't have to think too much about what the author wants to tell you and I found myself identifying with a lot of his experiences. I honestly couldn't put it down. Going to read another of his books now.
Top job!
May 4, 2021
An enjoyable read full of humour
After reading several other books on walking the SWCP I came across this.
Full of geeky humour and interesting experiences I really enjoyed reading this book.
The author really makes you feel all the emotions that he is going through.
I am inspired to try the same, but just need to convince the wife!
After reading several other books on walking the SWCP I came across this.
Full of geeky humour and interesting experiences I really enjoyed reading this book.
The author really makes you feel all the emotions that he is going through.
I am inspired to try the same, but just need to convince the wife!
December 1, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this personal account of a walk along the whole of the South West Coastal Path. It was inspiring, enlightening and amusing. A great read and made me want to walk the path myself all the more.
January 31, 2021
A long walk but a very swift read only 1 day.
Seems to be that anyone walking the SWCP should take pepperoni (or similar) and loads of mars bars.
Oh and stop regularly at hostelries
Well done to the author for completing the walk
Seems to be that anyone walking the SWCP should take pepperoni (or similar) and loads of mars bars.
Oh and stop regularly at hostelries
Well done to the author for completing the walk
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews