The Green London Way: Walking the City's History and Wildlife

OK so I will come clean. I have known Bob Gilbert for many years. He is a mate. Having said that I love The Green London Way. Over the years I have seen first-hand how much pleasure it has given to so many people. I have bought it for family, friends and colleagues and will continue to do so as long as I can. This updated version has loads of new information and addresses the (sometimes drastic) changes in London's landscape that have happened in the past 15 years. The book makes you realise how rich and delightful the heritage, history, wildlife and landscape of London is, and Bob stitches this together with consummate skill. It is not just a walking book. Far from it. You will discover fascinating things about London that you never knew before and cover a vast expanse of time. From Julius Caesar to the Madness of George III and the the 2012 Olympics; from wildlife you have never heard of to exotic fungi you should not eat. Bob has done his homework very well (which wasn't the case when we were at school together). This wonderful book is a testament to a lifetime of passion for London and its social history, the natural world and the sheer pleasure of walking the hidden ways of a great city. Buy it. Give it to someone special. Then buy it again, because sooner or later you will give it to someone else. It's an irresistible gift. The Green London Way: Walking the City's History and Wildlife

Excellent book that enables one to look at London in a slightly different way. Wonderful!!

This is great, it's really inspired me to get out and explore London

I've only done one walk so far but love the history, easy to follow directions and the whole concept of appreciating the outdoors.

The route maps were poor and we had to keep going back to the maps to see where we were in relation to the text. No signage either.

Having followed this route once a month or so for the last year I can say that it is such a revelation to walk London in this way. The route overlaps somewhat with the Capital Ring, but often takes a greener, wilder direction. The book gives a wealth of historical context to each section, highlighting events, people and specific buildings which have enriched (or in some cases helped impoverish) the areas passed through. Highly recommended.

I agree with most of the other comments on the site. It is a brilliant and unusual book. I am getting a lot of pleasure from have walking the Green London Way for the second time - having been all the way around 20 years ago with the first edition. It is important to check the web site for updates before each walk - and it is helpful to have an A-Z (or access to Google maps on a phone) in those places where street names are not visible on joining a named road.

This is a fantastic guide. The book covers a wide range of walks and has introduced me to parts of London I’d never explored before. The descriptions of local history and wildlife are detailed and fascinating. I’d recommend this book to anyone.