Boogie Up The River

The sequel to "500-mile Walkies". When the author set off in a 100-year-old camping skiff to find the source of the Thames, he didn't want to take his dog, Boogie. He would have left him in kennels but the other dogs complained and things do not work out as he planned.

Travels with Boogie is the story of two city slickers - one an unattractive but streetwise mongrel from Stockwell, the other the long-suffering author - and how they came to terms with England's countryside and waterways. First they had to survive against all odds as they embarked on a heroic journey up hill and down dale, with rucksacks full of Kennomeat, along Britain's longest coastal footpath - from Somerset to Devon, from Cornwall to Dorset. And they did it. Then, undaunted, they took on the treacherous waters of the Thames. Not exactly as Mark had planned, however: this time his companion was to be the delectable Jennifer - but she was held up at the office, and when Boogie was dropped off at the kennels the other dogs complained. Travels with Boogie is a witty and fascinating account of a mismatched couple and of the people they meet and places they visit.

Boogie is an unattractive but street-wise mongrel from Stockwell, used to travelling everywhere on London Transport. His two-legged companion is Mark. This is a heroic study of survival against the odds, as together they take a journey, up hill and down dale, with rucksacks full of kennomeat, along Britain's longest coastal footpath - from Somerset to Devon, from Cornwall to Dorset.

Britain's rivers deserve to be better known. Teeming with wildlife, steeped in history, sporting bridges, docks and stunning architecture, not to mention supporting riverside pubs, waterways museums and a variety of places of interest, they are the country's essential arteries, connecting inland Britain with the sea. From such world-renowned rivers as the Trent and Severn to little known tributaries like the Wharf, Wissey and Lark, British River Navigations celebrates England's inland rivers which have been improved for navigation, initially for commercial use, but now mostly carrying leisure craft. A fantastic celebration in its own right, alongside the author's previous Canals of Britain and Rivers of Britain this new book completes a trilogy on the different routes that can be used by large and small craft through the inland as well as tidal rivers of Britain. As with his other two books, it takes a wide ranging and detailed look at the built and natural environments surrounding these waterway gems. It explores the history, folklore, wildlife, literature and nearby towns and villages, all illustrated with beautiful maps and colour photographs. So much more than just a guidebook, it contains fascinating detail about our often surprising waterways right across the country. For anyone enjoying England's rivers for recreation or transportation, this captivating guide gives a fascinating insight into the lifeblood of our countryside.

Britain's rivers deserve to be better known. Teeming with wildlife, steeped in history, sporting bridges, docks and stunning architecture, not to mention supporting riverside pubs, waterways museums and a variety of places of interest, they are the country's essential arteries, connecting inland Britain with the sea. Covering Britain's best known tidal rivers (the Avon, Severn, Dee, Mersey, Tyne and Thames), to the picturesque rural Camel, Wye, Orwell and Crouch, as well as the industrial rivers of the Medway, Tyne and Clyde, right down to the smallest and lesser known of Britain's tidal waterways, this is a fascinating and comprehensive guide, packed with maps, colour photographs and interesting facts about the lifeblood of our country. Of interest to sailors, fishermen, motorised craft and canoeists keen to discover beautiful unfrequented spots, stopping points, places of interest, riverside pubs and lookout points, as well as practical information on rapids, weirs and nearby towns and car parks, it will also interest walkers, cyclists, families and holidaymakers discovering the local history, folklore, riverside architecture and places to take river trips.

When the only gig Mark Wallington's rhythm and blues band can get is in a nursing home they decide it's time to call it a day. But then Mark discovers an instrument he might just have enough talent for - the ukulele. This book follows his 42-night road trip, playing open mic sessions across the UK.

A quick-read bedtime storybook. A young girl finds the courage to face her fears, and comes up with a plan to scare the Boogie Man! Includes a child's bedtime prayer.