I'll take the Slow Road *

For more images - see Photo gallery

Slow Travel

Slow travel is as much about discovery and relaxation as it is about being green. By travelling slowly - namely walking, cycling, using buses and trains, canoeing and possibly on horse - you get to know a place. The fun of stepping inside bars and cafes that locals love, engaging with the history of an ever changing landscape and taking in scenery that gently unfolds before you is all part of the bargain. And, yes, there’s a trade off - distance and speed for locality and experience. In my book, it is worth it.

The Marches

The Marches describes the borderlands where England meets Wales; it is sometimes referred to as the Welsh Marches. When it comes to the art of exploration, the Marches offer an eclectic mix of food, culture, agriculture and a history that has changed the fortunes of two nations. That’s what makes it so intriguing. There’s an enigmatic quality about the place that is hard to put your finger on, but it is there for those who reach out to it.

This website

The aim is simple. For some time now I have wanted to share insights about the middle Marches with others but without wanting to trash the environment. There are dozens of books and websites for those who want to travel solely by car but not many that offer an alternative. That's what this website is about... offering an alternative.

But let’s be realistic about it. The website seeks to provide some basic information on how to be a slow traveller in the Marches. It looks to update information provided in the book The Guide to Slow Travel in the Marches and it shares some great ideas for exploration. There’ll be mistakes and I apologise in advance for these. There’s an opportunity for feedback too, so get in touch!

Les Lumsdon

* With acknowledgement to Ed Gillespie, Guardian writer and slow traveller - see Guardian posting, 28th January, 2007

Ramblers making their way over Ludford Bridge, Ludlow