Duncan's Pub Walks: Lancaster to the Lakes by Duncan Turner. Carnegie Publishing Limited, £7.95.

TO my mind, true happiness is appreciating the value of the simple things in life.

After all, what could be better? A nice walk in the countryside with the dog and the odd pint along the way to make the leg work worthwhile.

The biggest selling point in my mind of this book is that it is easy to follow and put into practise.

Covering an area of north Lancashire from a line running just south of Glasson on the Lune Estuary, each walk incorporates a pub somewhere in the middle and some fine countryside views.

Featuring everything from grid references to the distance involved, walking times and telephone numbers, there are even helpful landmarks listed to keep you on the right track. Too often, we breeze around unfamiliar country roads in cars, spotting pubs and telling ourselves we'll walk to them one day, only to forget where they are. This is the guide to make sure you don't.

Walks featured include Barbondale to Casterton, Cockerham to Conder Green, Crook O' Lune to Hornby, Over Kellet to Yealand Conyers, and Silverdale to Arnside.

Written by avid walker Duncan Turner, all proceeds go to Derian House hospice for terminally-ill children and the Ribble Valley branch of Medicine and Chernobyl UK.

Ellis Butcher

May 22, 2003 11:00