A Year in the Life the Mendip Hills

The stunning landscapes of the Mendip Hills have long been admired by visitors from around the globe, but John Bailey takes us on a journey beyond the spectacular but highly visitored Cheddar Gorge, through the lesser known terrain, revealing the true extent of the beauty of the area. It features 8 walks of varying degrees. This book portrays a year in the life of the Mendip Hills, an upland region of unspoilt villages, quiet country lanes, valleys and spectacular gorges. The journey begins on the western fringes where the hills rise abruptly from the Somerset Levels soon to reach the highest point at Beacon Batch, Black Down 1068 feet above sea level. The summit of the limestone ridge affords spectacular views north-west over the Severn Estuary to Wales and west across the Somerset Levels to Exmoor. The limestone plateau with its escarpments continues eastward where the limestone grasslands and exposed rocks steadily give way to the more gentle landscape of the winding lanes and wooded valleys of eastern Mendip. Impressive church towers are a dominate feature of Mendip's villages, some dating back to the prosperous 15th century.Past industrial activity has played a large part in the character of the landscape dating back to Bronze Age, Iron Age and the Romans, all leaving their marks on the countryside. Ask any visitor about the Mendips and they will talk of Cheddar Gorge and Burrington Combe as these natural features are such a spectacular sight to behold but Mendip has a far greater diversity of beauty and ruggedness beyond these two giants. This book reveals the true extent of the countryside and villages that nestle amongst the contours of the Mendip Hills, many with traditions that can be traced back over the centuries. An essential guide to both east and west Mendip and featuring 8 walks of varying degree, each with OS Landranger mapping, this detailed and beautifully photographed book will enable the visitor to enjoy the hidden delights of Mendip at first hand. You can also view the authors website for beautiful photographs available as downloaded images or prints.

About the Author :
John Bailey began taking photographs over 35 years ago when he first discovered his passion for the great outdoors. John's first book was published in 2009 covering the Isle of Skye where he spends time walking in the hills and along the rugged coastline. That first book inspired him to look much closer to home at the sometimes understated upland area of the Mendip Hills. It is John's knowledge of the area's rich industrial heritage, the long abandoned railways, the village traditions, the beautiful Mendip landscape that he knows so well that have contributed to the desire to provide a unique insight into Mendip, one that will appeal to both visitors and residents a like.wing magazines. For 21 years, Martin has worked as a history teacher. He is qualified in Counselling Skills. Martin lives in Hampton and Normandy with his wife and three children.