Reviews for Yorkshire: The North Riding

The average rating for Yorkshire: The North Riding based on 2 reviews is 5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2016-01-17 00:00:00 Zach Gaertig When you reach a certain age and those old high school basketball injuries are making themselves felt, you just don't need vacation guides that tell you how to sign up for bungee jumping off Mt. Everest or polar bear tag up at the Arctic Circle. Sure you want some exercise, but you'd rather not wind up in traction. That's what the Creaky Traveler guidebooks are all about. I've visited the northwest Highlands of Scotland. It's remote, and it's one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Since I'll be going back, I had to see if Warren Rovetch had any little gems that I might have missed on my first visit. As it turns out, he didn't, but his book is still an informative and enjoyable read. First of all, it's filled with common sense tips on just about everything you can think of: tickets, packing, surviving the flight, choosing where to stay, etc. To this valuable information he adds a list of internet sites to help us plan our own trips. Gaelic pronunciation is provided for most place names, and the author also includes some of the history and politics of the region. One of the most valuable tips he shares is: Don't plan out every second! I couldn't agree more-- especially in the Highlands. You need time to absorb all the beauty around you. You need time to unwind and to let serendipity turn your vacation into something very special. This is a handy little tool for travelers to the Highlands, and although I didn't really learn anything to add to my own plans, I certainly appreciate all the information I learned-- and the nugget about the "March of the Cold Testicles" made me laugh.

Review # 2 was written on 2016-12-11 00:00:00 Ross Mcphail "The Creaky Traveler explores the hidden places of Britain's last wilderness along the rugged coast of North West Scotland. Part travel story and part guidebook, but all charm and wit, this book transports us to another culture. On the way it details the planning and navigation tips essential for successful journeys for travelers who are 'mobile but not agile' as well as for their younger counterparts." ~~ back cover I was a bit disappointed with this book, and I'm not sure why. It certainly was everything it promised to be. I think my disappointment is rooted in the lack of lyrical, finely detailed descriptions of the landscape. It's more travel diary than travel writing, if that distinction makes any sense. There are detailed descriptions of lodgings and restaurants, and I couldn't help but wonder if that would be at all useful if I went to North West Scotland 10 years from now. Surely there would be disappearances and new places sprouting up. But on the whole, this book is worth the read, and especially if you're planning to go there.