A walk from Liverpool to Hull by the author, Steve Ankers is the premise of this book. I was particularly keen to read this as I live near Hull and thought it would be interesting. Steve walks the distance in stages as he live down south now, so does a stretch and then returns a week or so later when he's recharged his batteries. I quite liked the idea that it was done in stages. It seemed to be a real trip down memory lane for him during the walks between Liverpool and Manchester. I enjoyed reading about most of the places that were visited, however, I did feel there was a lot of unnecessary detail on where he stayed and what he had to eat. There also seemed to be far more detail about the Liverpool end of the journey, sometimes too much. On the whole an enjoyable, interesting and humorous book. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher, SilverWood Books for an ARC

(I was given an ARC copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley (thanks!) All opinions expressed here are voluntary, honest, and my own)

Obviously, I think for any traveller the roof over your head, and food, are the two important elements of any journey to organise before you have even put your boots on. Therefore there is many parts of Northern Soles that focus on hotels, and restaurants. As well as culture, language, music, and the people of the cities he passes through. I liked how Steve Ankers highlighted the non-profit charities around the North, and how they help the people in their communities, as well as giving the reader a nudge to being aware of these communities that are largely volunteer staffed, and rely on public donations to survive. There’s nostalgia too, of course in Northern Soles. Steve talks about the past, like how filthy the air used to be before the Clean Air act passed, and long neglected sports halls, and public baths.
I did like Northern Soles for bringing the past, and present Liverpool together. (Never been to Hull, and Northern Soles didn’t make me want to change that.) I think Northern Soles would be a good companion if you were heading to that part of the UK.

The author takes us on a journey from the Irish sea to the North sea on a 200-mile coast to coast walk. Starting in Liverpool and ending up in Hull, walking through fairly industrial areas.
He had some health issues and wanted to do the walk to get in better shape and to raise money for a health charity along his way.
The author gives a huge amount of information on the the areas he visits, such as the local attractions, museums, parks, restaurants and hotels, the charities, people who have made the places famous, for a few.
It was a bit different from other hiking books that I have read, I guess I am used to delving into the authors lives. This author does give us a bit of his life story, but the book mainly focuses on what these area have to offer and that of the areas importance. If you like a story full of facts and observations, this one is for you.
I would like to thank NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC of this book.

As a fellow LFC, I felt connected to the author. I really enjoyed this book. It was a good blend of northern knowledge and humour. A great read and one I shall be recommending to friends and family. Well done Steve.

This is a well written, honest account. I liked the writing style and enjoyed reading about the walk and the historical facts. I liked the descriptions of the scenery and the way the writing brought the book to life. Steve you are an inspiration.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book

It was a decent read but at times a bit dense with all the places he visited, particularly in the bigger towns. No Bill Bryson for sure but will appeal to readers of this genre

Brilliant. Loved it. Knowing the area brought back many childhood memories. Made me laugh too. Thanks Steve. Would certainly recommend a read. Good holiday book.

Don't come here expecting the normal bias of "ooh look at me I walked from here to there and can crack a joke about it" travel books. This author, town planner but also environmentalist and health volunteer, blood donor, life-saver, part-time saint and all-round good egg, pops into charitable foundations, considers superlatives both extant and long-demolished, and still manages a decent read. It's a chatty, friendly style he has, one that perfectly fits the usual travelogue from major publishers. But the book does fall down on continuity – the walk was done in many little stages, and here it seems it's impossible to even leave Liverpool – and in the end the accumulation of charities, foundations and cooperatives makes this just a touch too worthy at times. Three and a half stars.